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"OMAR, FAMOUS IMPOkTKD PERSIAN CHINCHILLA. 

Property of 
Miss A. L. Pollard. Omar Cattery, Elizabeth. N. J. 



THE 



DISEASES OF THE CAT 



BY 

J. WOODROFFE HILL 

Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons 
Late Professor of Veterinary Science at the College of Agriculture, Downton 

Author of 

'The Management and Diseases of the Dog,' 'The Principles and 

Practice of Bovine Medicine and Surgery,' etc., etc. 







New York 
WILLIAM E. JENKINS 

VETERINARY PUBLISHER AND BOOKSELLER 
851 and 853 Sixth Avenue 

1901 

1 



The LiSRASY OF 

0O^^GRE5S, 
Two CoHit3 Receiveo 

DEC. 4 19*31 

Cgpvriqht entry 
CLASS a XXo. Wo. 

COPY a 



Copyright, 1901 

By WILLIAM R. JENKINS 

All Rights Reserved. 



• • • .« 






printed by the 
Press of William R. Jenkins 
New York « 



TO ALL THOSE INTERESTED 



/^? 



IN THE 

PROTECTION AND WELFARE OF THE FELINE RACE 

THIS WORK 

IS 

RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED 
BY THE AUTHOR 




PREFACE 

Numerous and repeated requests have induced the 
Author to issue this Manual, written from the experi- 
ence of many years' practice and close pathological 
research into the maladies to which our domesticated 
feline friends are liable — a subject which it must be 
admitted has not found that prominence in Veterinary 
literature to which it is undoubtedly entitled. 

The block on the cover represents the head of 
Miss Ava L,. Pollard's famous Chinchilla stud cat 
" Omar," one of the finest Persians that has ever left 
the shores of the old country for America. 



CONTENTS 

CHAPTER I 
INTRODUCTORY 

PAGE 

ABANDONED CATS — FEEDING — WASHING — DISEASES — 
ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINE— DESTRUCTION- 
DISINFECTION .... - i-io 

CHAPTER II 
DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS 

CATARRH — INFLUENZA — BRONCHITIS — ASTHMA — 

PLEURISY — PNEUMONIA— CONSUMPTION - - II-2I 

CHAPTER III 
DISEASES OF THE STOMACH 

INDIGESTION — VOMITING — WORMS— GASTRIC CATARRH 
— GASTRITIS — GASTRO - ENTERITIS — FOREIGN 
BODIES ...... 22-32 

CHAPTER IV 
DISEASES OF THE BOWELS 

CONSTIPATION — DIARRHCEA — DYSENTEI — - COLIC — 

ENTERITIS— PILES— WORMS- - - - 33-40 



X CONTENTS 

CHAPTER V 
DISEASES OF THE SKIN 

PAGE 

MANGE (SARCOPTIC AND FOLLICULAR)— RING-WORM— 

ECZEMA — HERPES— VERMIN - - - 41-47 

CHAPTER VI 
DISEASES OF THE EAR 

CANKER— SEROUS ABSCESS - . - . 48-50 

CHAPTER VII 
DISEASES OF THE EYE 

OPHTHALMIA — PROTRUSION OF EYEBALL — HYDROPH- 

THALMIA ...... 51-54 

CHAPTER VIII 
FUNCTIONS OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS 

OESTRUM AND BREEDING — PARTURITION — ABORTION - 55-57 

CHAPTER IX 
DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH PARTURITION 

PUERPERAL FITS AND MANIA— MILK FEVER— AGALACTIA 

— METRITIS ...... 58-61 

CHAPTER X 
DISEASES OF THE MAMMARY GLANDS 

MAMMITIS — LACTEAL TUMOURS — CANCER - - 62-65 

CHAPTER XI 
DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 

RABIES — EPILEPSY — APOPLEXY — NOSTOMANIA — 

PARALYSIS .-.--. 66-74 



CONTENTS xi 

CHAPTER XII 
GENERAL DISEASES 

PAGE 

DISTEMPER — JAUNDICE — HEPATITIS — DROPSY— RHEU- 
MATISM — CRAMP — CYSTITIS— NEPHRITIS — AN/EMIA 
— DIPHTHERIA— SALIVATION - - - 75-89 

CHAPTER XIII 
ACCIDENTS AND OPERATIONS 

FRACTURES AND DISLOCATIONS— AMPUTATIONS — BURNS 
AND SCALDS— EMASCULATION— SPAYING— HERNIA- 
WOUNDS— BONES IN MOUTH AND THROAT — NEEDLES 
—CHOKING— FISTULA— ABSCESS - - - 90-I06 

APPENDIX 
POISONS AND THEIR ANTIDOTES 

ARSENIC— STRYCHNINE — PRUSSIC ACID — CARBOLIC ACID 
— PHOSPHORUS- LEAD (ACETATE) — CALOMEL — TUR- 
PENTINE — PARAFFIN— CHLOROFORM - - IO7-II3 



DISEASES OF THE CAT 

CHAPTER I 
INTRODUCTORY 

ABANDONED CATS — FEEDING — WASHING — DISEASES 
— ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINE — DESTRUCTION 
— DISINFECTION. 

Abandoned Cats. 

It is a proverbial saying that * a cat has nine lives,' 
but in the light of experience and general observa- 
tion it might with some truth be put at ninety-and- 
nine, if the struggle for life of the abandoned cat in 
London and other large towns and its many narrow 
escapes from violent death are taken into account. 
* A cat can get its own living ' is a remark constantly 
heard. Yes, in some instances true — but how ? By 
enforced thieving through starvation — a lesson in- 
culcated, shall I say ? by unintentional thoughtless- 
ness, or ignorance on the part of the householder, or 
wilful blindness as to the necessary means of sustain- 
ing animal life when the mansion doors are closed, 
and the hitherto happy, purring feline is left home- 
less, comfortless, and foodless to shift as best it 

X 



2 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

may. Neither mice nor birds patiently await the 
hungry cat, and in the absence of both and any 
other food the natural craving of the stomach leads 
to the inevitable : the hungered animal if possible 
helps itself, and not always from the best larder, but 
from a source impregnated with filth and disease. 

It is refined cruelty to invite the affection of any 
domesticated creature, treat it accordingly, and then 
for convenience' sake or selfishness submit it to the 
reverse. Yet year by year may be seen countless 
victims of such treatment in the West End of our 
leading capital, and more or less in all towns. The 
necessary household cat, the watchful guardian 
against mouse invasion, a distinctly valuable servant, 
is left when the family go, maybe for their own 
pleasure, with a reward of starvation, and often 
worse. 

My estimation of such people is too damnatory to 
word in these pages. The abrupt suppression of 
every comfort to a creature that has been solely 
utilized for the benefit of its owner is fiendish. It is 
only the unremitting attention and watchfulness of 
humanitarians that brings alleviation and comfort to 
these poor suffering creatures ; hence the necessity 
of supporting those philanthropic homes which have 
been generously provided for outcast animals, notably 
the one opened by the Society for the Protection of 
Cats at Hammersmith ; the Dublin Home for Starving 
and Forsaken Cats, founded by Miss Swifte in 1885; 
the Mayhew Home, with new hospitals attached, 
established in 1894 at College Park, Harrow Road, 
N.W., which is a compact and charming abode for 
felines, whether strays, abandoned, sick, or boarders ; 



INTRODUCTORY 3 

and last, but not least, the well-ordered Home for 
Cats at Battersea, a department which continues to 
perform its work in a praiseworthy manner, especially 
in the avoidance of immediate slaughter (an un- 
justifiable act unless under exceptional circum- 
stances), and for which is substituted prolonged 
detention and care in the hope of friendly purchasers 
coming forward. 

In that chatty and entertaining little journal Our 
Cats, these institutions are fully announced and their 
claims set forth. By the way, I find our feline 
friends and cat-owners generally are indebted to the 
promoter of Our Cats for providing a cheap and the 
only publication of the kind exclusively devoted to 
the feline fancy, and which can in all truth now be 
called ' the recognised organ.'* 

Feeding. 

The ordinary household cat is as a rule satisfied 
with a reasonable supply of pure milk and kitchen 
or table scraps. Being a carnivorous animal, flesh, 
though not absolutely essential, should be allowed 
in moderation. Fish also is beneficial and greatly 
relished. Boiled liver as a daily fare I do not 
approve of; it is indigestible, an irritant laxative, 
and not very nutritious. Sound horse flesh is suit- 
able as an occasional change, but not as a persistent 
diet. 

Cats are usually fond of fried bacon, also the 
liquor from it; the latter, like the oil in tinned 
sardines, is a good substitute for cod-liver-oil in 
wasting disease. Grass is also enjoyed by cats, and 

* Published at 5, Great James Street, Bedford Row, W.C. 

I — 2 



4 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

it is not an uncommon thing in the absence of it to 
see pussy nibbling the plants, especially ferns. Some 
cats have peculiar tastes for what would naturally be 
considered unsuitable food, to wit, tomatoes and 
cucumbers, especially the rind of the latter. I 
recollect as a boy one of the household cats at home 
being particularly partial to cucumber. Many similar 
instances have since then come under my notice, 
and at the present time a young short-haired black 
neuter of my own has developed a similar taste, eat- 
ing both vegetables readily. 

In addition to the ordinary method of feeding, 
* Feline Food ' has been placed before the public in 
packet form ; but the ' Prepared Cat Food ' which in 
my opinion has the best claim to the title is that 
manufactured by Walker, Harrison and Garthwaite, 
Limited, at the Phoenix Biscuit Works, Ratcliffe 
Cross, E. The ingredients, which I have thoroughly 
examined, tested, and apportioned, being pure, 
wholesome, and adapted to the requirements of the 
feline stomach, form a suitable diet for all cats where 
any special invalid food is not necessitated. A great 
feature in W., H. and G.'s prepared food is its easy 
digestibility and assimilation. Cats, especially show 
specimens, thrive well on it, improve in condition, 
and retain the lustre of coat so necessary in exhibits. 
Being handy, convenient, cleanly, and inexpensive 
should bring the preparation into general favour 
with the feline fancy. Full instructions accompany 
each packet. 

Cats will also eat dog-biscuits of certain kinds 
with relish; indeed, I have known instances where 
they have been fed exclusively on my patent dog- 



INTRODUCTORY 5 

biscuit manufactured by the above firm, and, being 
rich in nourishment, they throve amazingly on this 
diet, the biscuit being simply broken up small and 
scalded with either water or milk. 

Anent liquid meat dietetics, many preparations 
are in use, and chiefly as restoratives during in- 
validism. In cases of gastric irritability in the cat, 
especially when accompanied by vomiting and in- 
ability to retain essential nourishment, I have found 
Kreochyle of exceptional advantage, its absorption 
being so rapid that if given frequently in small 
quantities pleasing results have been speedily evident, 
the secret being that the troubled stomach is allowed 
the rest necessary, whilst at the same time the 
system is being supported by suitable nutriment in 
a minimized yet adequate and agreeable form. 

In feline distemper and gastritis it is a very safe 
and efficacious dietary and an excellent restorative 
pick-me-up in debility and emaciation ; indeed, I 
have frequently found in dealing with the latter con- 
ditions the best and most satisfactory thing to 
prescribe is a bottle of Kreochyle, a teaspoonful to 
be given three or four times daily, and, what is 
better, the patient after a dose or two, and some- 
times from the onset, will lap it voluntarily. It is 
therefore a useful preparation to have in catteries 
and at cat shows. 

Washing. 

Cats seldom, if ever, like being bathed, j^et I have 
known instances where puss has had a daily ablution 
as regularly as its mistress, and have been assured it 
was equally enjo3^ed, which I am nevertheless afraid 



6 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

is open to doubt. By a wise provision of Nature, the 
cat is provided with a tongue that embraces all the 
adjuncts necessary to feline toilet, and puss may 
safely be trusted to look after its own good appear- 
ance without artificial aid. Add to which cats do 
undoubtedly dislike to even tread in wet. Still, I 
do not condemn an occasional bath of tepid water, 
provided the animal is thoroughly dried afterwards 
and well brushed, and water not allowed to linger in 
the ears, which not only creates great discomfort 
and irritation, but often leads to canker and deaf- 
ness. Of course, in some cases of skin disease 
washing is essential. Again, cats have a great dis- 
like to soap, and therefore when used it should be 
employed sparingly and free from any carbolic 
agent. Good yellow or curd soap is the best, and 
for antiseptic purposes chinosol soap. 

Diseases. 

The diseases of the cat, though very scantily and 
superficially dealt with in what little literature exists 
at the time of writing these pages, are very numerous. 
Many morbid and contagious feline affections arise 
from scavenging. Cats left to forage for themselves 
or on their own account, as already alluded to, will 
pay visits to refuse-tubs and other obnoxious recep- 
tacles, not only to their own danger, but also to that 
of the human family, innumerable instances of which 
are on record. 

A point to be remembered in treating the diseases 
of the cat, and, in fact, all domestic animals, is that 
Nature herself should be credited with some degree 
of power in effecting a cure. This is not sufficiently 



INTRODUCTORY 7 

estimated in veterinary or human medicine. Here, 
probably, lies the secret of homoeopathy. * And 
yet, what is the character of the results obtained 
under this system of imaginary medication in the 
cure of diseases ? When fairly weighed, do not 
these results exhibit, if not quite as large a propor- 
tion of cures as ordinary medicine, still so large a 
proportion as to demonstrate at once the feebleness 
of what we regard as the last form of Art, and the 
immense strength of Nature in the same office ?' 
(Sir John Forbes, M.D.). 

Administration of Medicine. 

Though the cat is not usually so amenable to the 
administration of medicine as the dog, yet I have 
seldom experienced any difficulty in the matter. I 
neither advise rolling the animal up, in a shawl with 
its head out, nor putting its tail first down a top-boot. 
A cloth or towel across the breast to prevent the 
claws interfering with the operation is all that is 
necessary. The animal should then be gently but 
firmly held with the chin up, and the angle of the 
mouth quietly drawn out whilst an attendant pours 
the medicine into the pouch formed. If powders 
are given, the mouth may be gently forced open 
and the powder placed on the base of the tongue. 
The same will apply to pills, which should be of 
the smallest bulk possible. Sulphur or bismuth 
can be placed in milk, or mixed with a little chopped 
meat or fish. 

In fact, gentleness, persuasion, tact, experience, 
and courage, are, as in dealing with dogs, important 
factors in the medical treatment of cats. Animals 



8 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

are frequently half choked, and sometimes completely 
asphyxiated, by having their jaws rudely opened wide 
and an excessive quantity of fluid poured down the 
throat all at once, without allowing time to swallow ; 
or, on the other hand, by administering the medicine 
whilst the patient is gasping or in the act of cough- 
ing, and this is an accident more likely to happen 
when the creature is rolled tightly up in a shawl and 
terrified by its imprisoned condition and the pressure 
often appHed in holding it. 

Destruction. 

There is a time to live and a time to die, and 
when the latter becomes necessary or compulsory, 
death should be accomplished in the most merciful 
and painless manner. For years past I have adopted 
the administration of chloroform, and still do so. 
Thousands of kittens are annually born to misery 
and starvation, and, to her credit, one lady at St. 
Leonards-on-Sea, bearing this fact in mind, used 
to send to me all her superfluous feline progeny to 
be anaesthetized and afterwards buried in her garden 
rather than they should face the probabilities of 
cruelty and neglect. Her humane example might 
be very wisely followed, especially in London and 
other great centres. The modus operandi is very 
simple : Enclose the newly-born kittens in an ordinary 
biscuit tin with a sponge soaked with methylated 
chloroform, and in half an hour they will have 
slept their final sleep. With adult cats I usually 
administer a dose of chloral hydrate, and when the 
animal is asleep complete with chloroform. For a 
speedy and almost instantaneous death, the inter- 



INTRODUCTORY 9 

costal injection of hydrocyanic acid stands pre- 
eminent ; but individually, in all cases, I prefer 
anaesthesia. But even in the employment of anaes- 
thesia judgment and humanity must be exercised. 
Where cats in numbers are to be thus disposed of, 
ample space should be provided. Cramming cats 
into a confined space, and pouring in chloroform 
through an aperture, is the reverse of humanity. In 
a word, there is as much cruelty in improperly 
anaesthetizing cats as there is in slowly suffocating 
them by strangulation ; and the object of the pro- 
fessed merciful extinguisher of animal life should be 
strictly directed to alleviation in the most minute 
degree of all suffering. I recently inspected a so- 
called lethal box for cats that simply horrified me. 
There can be no humanity where there is no feeling, 
and, to quote an ancient proverb, 'There is a dif- 
ference between living long and suffering long.' The 
latter I would commend as the motto for all philan- 
thropic animal societies. 

Disinfection. 

There are so many so-called disinfectants adver- 
tised that perhaps it may seem invidious to call 
particular attention to any one. Nevertheless, my 
experience in cat practice has led me to the con- 
clusion that it is to the advantage of the feline 
fanc}^ to point out in my opinion the most efficacious 
one. In feline hospitals or catteries a proper system 
of disinfection is of the highest sanitary importance. 
In the section of this w^ork on Ophthalmia, I have 
drawn attention to attacks of this complaint follow- 
ing shows in which the disinfective measures have 



lo DISEASES OF THE CAT 

been too pungent. It is a notable fact that carbolic 
preparations have to be used with the greatest care 
where cats are concerned, and that many cases of 
fatality have occurred through their indiscriminate 
use. It is therefore that I give preference to a 
product capable of absorbing, deodorizing, and steril- 
izing any organisms arising from septic discharges, 
and these properties I have found to be embraced 
in Petanelle Powder, which is a compound anti- 
septic, disinfectant, and deodorant, derived from 
peat, and is an extremely pleasant and speedily 
effective agent, both in sickness and for scattering 
over urinal and faecal evacuations, the effluvia from 
which in cats is so offensive. The Petanelle Liquid 
Disinfectant is of equal efficacy. 




CHINCHILLA ' MOWGLL' 

The PRorERTV of Mrs. Dean. 

(From a photograph by E. Laudor, Ealing.) 



CHAPTER II 

DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY 
ORGANS 

CATARRH — INFLUENZA — BRONCHITIS — ASTHMA — 
PLEURISY — PNEUMONIA — CONSUMPTION. 

Catarrh. 

This, affection, generally known as 'cold in the 
head,' is indicated by a watery or mucoid discharge 
from the eyes and nose, due to a febrile or inflamma- 
tory condition of the mucous membrane of the nasal 
chambers, and usually the frontal sinuses, which 
may arise from damp, cold, or contagion. 

Symptoms, — Nasal and lachrymal discharge, fre- 
quent sneezing, sometimes cough, dulness, and 
inclination for quietude or warmth. 

Treatment. — Careful regard to warmth, comfort, 
and simple medical treatment generally suffice to 
effect a cure. 

Spts. sether. nit. 2 drachms. 

Aqua camph 4 ounces. 

A teaspoonful twice or thrice daily. 

Steaming the head with an infusion of poppy- 
heads will afford soothing relief if the head is very 



12 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

stuffy through the facial sinuses becoming blocked 
with collected discharge. Warm milk is the most 
suitable diet, and if refused should be administered 
by spoon from time to time. Warmth and comfort 
should be observed. 

Influenza. 

This may be termed an aggravated form of the 
previous malady, and is of a more highly contagious 
character. 

Symptoms. — Great lassitude, injected eyeballs and 
lids, abundant discharge from the nose, at first 
watery, and subsequently muco-purulent. Hurried 
respiration, sneezing, coughing, and increased tem- 
perature, with quickened pulse. Sometimes the 
throat is swollen. The coat is harsh and staring. 
If the disease is allowed to proceed chest complica- 
tions usually follow. 

Treatment. — At the onset the measures prescribed 
for catarrh may be adopted, and when extreme 
debility is manifested, ammoniated tincture of 
quinine in 2 or 3 minim doses, or Parish's Chemical 
Food 20 minims in a teaspoonful of water, or beef- 
tea, may be given twice or thrice daily, with nourish- 
ing warm diet. It should be especiall}^ borne in mind 
that cats with respiratory affections always seek 
warmth and comfort. 

Bronchitis. 

Cats, notably those turned out of doors and 
exposed to damp and cold, after being accustomed 
to warmth and household care, are frequently the 



DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS 13 

subject of bronchial disease — i.e,, inflammation of 
the mucous membrane hning the bronchial tubes, 
which may be confined to the large bronchi, or 
extend to the smaller or subdivided ones, and thence 
to the lung texture. 

Symptoms. — Quick, wheezing respiration, attended 
with frequent coughing and retching, and frothy 
expectoration, sometimes tinged with blood. The 
eyes are red and inflamed, heart-beats rapid. On 
auscultation a mucous rattle is heard. There is 
usually nasal discharge and sneezing. The animal 
becomes prostrate, and unless relieved ultimately 
succumbs to exhaustion, bronchial pneumonia, or 
asphyxia. Bronchitis may arise from irritating 
inhalations, notably lime-dust, several cases of which 
have come under my notice. 

Treatment. — At once place the patient in a warm 
atmosphere— 65° to 70° F. — which may with advan- 
tage be moistened with a sedative steam evolved 
from an ordinary human bronchitis kettle, into 
which place two or three bruised poppy-heads. An 
emetic, J to i grain of tartarized antimony, or 30 
to 60 minims of ipecacuanha wine, is beneficial, 
especially in threatened asphyxia from the accumu- 
lation of mucus in the bronchial tubes. After the 
action of the emetic, the following mixture may 
be used ; 

Spts. aether, nit 4 drachms. 

Liq. ammon. acetat i ounce. 

Aqua camph 4 ounces. 

A teaspoonful every four hours to an adult cat, half 
to a medium-grown one. 



14 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

To relieve the cough when very troublesome, as a 
demulcent and expectorant, I advise a mixture of: 

Chlorodyne ... ... ... i drachm. 

Syrup of squills ... ... 2 drachms. 

Glycerine ... ... ... 2 ounces. 

Half to one teaspoonful to be given occasionally with 
a teaspoonful of barley-water or linseed-tea. 

Hot linseed poultices to the front of the chest are 
desirable in severe cases. Warm broth, beef-tea, 
milk, and arrowroot form the most suitable diet. 
Subsequently cod-liver-oil as a recuperative agent 
is of great value. 

Aged cats, like aged human beings, are subject, 
especially after an attack of bronchitis, to what is 
termed ' winter cough.' Although often more or 
less present after a severe bronchial seizure, the 
cough increases in frequency and severity during 
the winter, and particularly in foggy weather. The 
cough is of a husky asthmatical character, accom- 
panied with shortness of breath, and frequently 
expectoration and retching. The cough mixture 
prescribed for bronchitis is applicable here, and the 
same measures for protection against damp and cold 
must be observed. 

Terebene inhalations are also of great service. 



Asthma. 

Aged cats are those m.ost frequently affected 
with asthma, which arises from congestion of the 
mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes, or it 



DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS 15 

may be associated with bronchial catarrh. As in 
dogs, it is usually met with in overfed, pampered 
animals. 

Symptoms.— The breathing is laboured, heaving, 
and wheezing. In severe attacks the creature 
struggles for breath, and the eyes are prominent and 
bloodshot. Flatulency and constipation are usual 
accompaniments. Ammoniacal odours excite the 
symptoms, therefore it is not humane to turn a 
cat out of the house into the stable, which is not 
uncommonly done when the unfortunate puss 
becomes asthmatical. 

Treatment. — Cure being impossible, attention must 
be directed to palliative measures. An emetic 
affords relief, as also do sedative inhalations. Con- 
stipation must be especially avoided, and as a 
mechanical laxative nothing fulfils the purpose 
better than a teaspoonful or two of salad-oil. Small 
doses of vegetable charcoal are useful, and in severe 
cases, when sudden paroxysms occur (spasmodic 
asthma), i to 2 grains of iodide of potassium, with 
3 to 6 minims of tincture of belladonna in a teaspoon- 
ful of brandy and water, will often relieve the 
spasm. 

Pleurisy. 

Inflammation of the pleura — i.e., the serous mem- 
brane which covers the lungs and inner surface of 
the chest — is a disease which may arise from cold, 
external violence, intercostal wounds, or fractured 
ribs. On more than one occasion I have known 
it follow from the animal being crushed in a closing 
door, and also from the grip of a dog. Pleurisy may 



x6 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

be single or double — i.e., affect one or both sides — 
and may be, and often is, apart from the previously- 
named causes, associated with pneumonia (pleuro- 
pneumonia). Effusion into the thoracic cavity 
generally takes place. 

Symptoms. — Febrile disturbance, with frequent 
shiverings ; short, catching respiration, which is due 
to the pain caused by dilatation of the ribs and 
consequent tension on the inflamed pleura. Heav- 
ing at the flank is also observable in consequence of 
the abdominal muscles being brought into play to 
assist the breathing. There is a dry, suppressed 
cough. The skin is hot, eyes bright and w^atery, 
conjunctival membrane deeply injected, tongue 
white and dry, a hard rapid pulse. As the inflam- 
matory action proceeds the symptoms increase in 
severity, pressure over the ribs causes intense pain, 
and the suffering creature cannot even bear to be 
lifted up. The countenance becomes haggard and 
anxious. As the effusion in the chest increases the 
breathing is more laboured, and death generally 
results from asphyxia. 

Chronic pleurisy is usually associated with effusion 
which has terminated in adhesion. 

Treatment. — Prompt measures are necessary. 
Counter-irritation to the sides of the chest, in the 
form of repeated hot linseed and mustard poultices — 
one tablespoonful of mustard to three of linseed — or 
some stimulating liniment, should without delay be 
had recourse to. I prefer poultices, and so does the 
patient. These should reach from the spine to the 
lower part of the girth ; if applied the reverse way — 
i,e.f from underneath upwards — they are liable to slip 



DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS 17 

down. They should be spread in two squares between 
thin musHn, thus — 




the space marked x goi^^g on the spine, and the 
poultice falling down on either side of the chest. A 
roller bandage should then be applied to keep the 
poultices well to the sides, and the patient placed on 
a soft bed in a comfortable closed basket and kept 
warm and quiet. In severely acute cases of pleurisy, 
I consider it advisable to clip the fur off the sides 
before poulticing. The diet should consist of good 
broth, beef-tea, or Valentine's meat-juice, varied with 
warm milk in small quantities frequently given. Half 
to a teaspoonful of brandy in a little water or milk 
is the best stimulant when required, and as a tonic 
during convalescence Parish's Chemical Food and 
cod-liver-oil. 

Where there is considerable effusion in the chest 
cavity, tapping may be had recourse to as a dernier 
ressort; but at this stage the case is frequently past 
recovery. Painting the sides with iodine liniment, 
and the administration of iodide of potassium in 5 to 
10 grain doses, are serviceable in promoting absorp- 
tion of the thoracic fluid ; but when lymph organiza- 
tion and adhesions have taken place, and the constant 
risk of taking cold is considered, puss's life is scarcely 
worth prolonging. 



i8 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

Pneumonia. 

Inflammation of the lungs is one of the most 
serious chest affections to which the cat is Hable. 
Pneumonia may be single or double — i.e., one or 
both lungs may be involved. The disease has three 
stages, and, without desiring to be technical (my 
chief object being to assist the amateur), I may state 
these stages are termed : (i) Engorgement or con- 
gestion ; (2) red hepatization : (3) gray hepatization 
or purulent infiltration. 

Symptoms. — The usual preliminaries are frequent 
shiverings and general febrile disturbance, denoted 
by increased temperature and high pulse. The 
breathing is observed to be short and gasping, and 
an irritable cough is present. The eyes are usually 
red, and the nose is hot and dry. On placing the 
ear to the animal's side increased lung sounds are 
heard, which ultimately become obliterated as the 
disease proceeds, and are replaced by a crackling or 
crepitating noise. When this is lost, and only a 
slight wheezing or whistling can be heard, the second 
stage (red hepatization) has been reached, and, owing 
to consolidation of the lung, a flat, dead sound is 
produced on percussion. At this period the cough is 
very frequent, and accompanied by rusty expectora- 
tion. In breathing the cheeks are inflated or puffed 
out, and the inspirations extremely short and rapid. 
The animal frequently sits upon its haunches with 
the elbows outwardly inclined, an effort to widen, as 
it were, the capacity of the chest for the ingress of 
air to the choked lungs. In the third stage, when 
the lung tissue breaks down, a bubbling or gurgling 



DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS 19 

sound is heard on auscultation, which is caused by 
the air passing through pus. The breath becomes 
exceedingly foetid and cadaverous, whilst the cough 
is loose, with copious expectoration. The body and 
extremities are cold, the pulse almost imperceptible, 
and the poor sufferer, with its pinched, haggard face 
and sunken eyes, presents a pitiable object. 

Treatment. — This consists in active counter-irrita- 
tion to the sides of the chest, diffusible stimulants, 
bodily warmth, free ventilation, and nourishing food. 
In these cases it is better to clip the fur from where 
the counter-irritant is to be applied, as speedy action 
is most essential ; and then either hot linseed and 
mustard poultices, stimulating liniment, or, what is 
better still in cases of emergency, flannel wrung out 
of hot mustard-water should be wrapped round the 
chest, and be surrounded with wadding on a dry 
flannel bandage. This may be kept on for three- 
quarters of an hour, and then followed with linseed 
poultices. Brandy and beef-tea, or raw meat-juice, 
may be given in small quantities at frequent intervals, 
also warm milk. Constipation is best relieved with 
salad-oil or warm gruel enemas. On no account 
should castor-oil or any other drastic purgative be 
given in pneumonia. Quietude is essential, and 
draughts, damp, and cold are to be strictly avoided. 
During convalescence iron and quinine and cod-liver- 
oil are beneficial. A coat or flannel bandage is 
advisable until the fur has grown again on the clipped 
surfaces. 



20 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

Consumption. 

Unfortunately, the feline race are amongst the 
victims of tubercular disease, which may be hereditary 
or acquired. The easy transmissibility of the disease 
has been pointed out by the author in his work on 
'Bovine Medicine and Surgery' (1882) ; and both by 
inoculation and feeding on tubercular-infected milk, 
it has been clearly demonstrated the disease can be 
transmitted to the cat and other creatures. 

Symptoms. — These do not materially differ from 
those observed in the dog. They may be enumerated 
as follows : Loss of flesh, cough easily produced by 
exertion, expectoration, short respiration, foetid breath, 
staring coat with easy detachment of fur, flatness 
behind the shoulder-blade, dulness on percussion, 
abdominal breathing, languidness, variable appetite, 
diarrhoea, crepitating lung sounds, gurgling and 
cadaverous respiration when the tubercle softens and 
the lung breaks down. 

Treatment. — This can only be pursued with a view 
to prolong the animal's life. The removal of tuber- 
culous deposit is impossible, but the progress of the 
disease may be arrested by active counter-irritation, 
or the application of iodine, cod-liver-oil and iron, 
nourishing food, and a pure atmosphere. Prohibition 
of breeding and intercourse are necessarily to be 
observed. 

A form of consumption not unfrequently met with 
in kittens is that known as * tabes mesenterica,' or 
abdominal consumption — i.e., tubercular disease of 
the mesenteric glands. In such cases there is ab- 



DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS 21 

normal enlargement of the abdomen, with frequent 
and offensive diarrhoea. The animal, to use a vulgar 
expression, is 'pot-bellied.' The body is very much 
emaciated, and the coat ragged, dry, and harsh ; the 
mucous membranes are pallid, and occasionally the 
gums are ulcerated. 

Treatment. — Good hygiene, pure air, sun, nourish- 
ing food, mineral tonics, and cod-liver-oil are the 
measures indicated, but must be regarded as of no 
permanent benefit ; indeed, it is far better and more 
humane to let consumptive cats, young or old, have 
a painless ticket to join the majority. 



CHAPTER III 
DISEASES OF THE STOMACH 

INDIGESTION — VOMITING — WORMS — GASTRIC 
CATARRH — GASTRITIS — GASTRO-ENTERITIS — FOREIGN 

BODIES. 

Indigestion. 

Long fasts and ' diet of any kind ' would appear to 
provoke feline dyspepsia. Yet in the ordinary cat 
such a result is, comparatively speaking, rare, and is 
more often met with in highly-bred and notably show 
specimens, where a too fixed and stimulating system 
of feeding is adopted. Indigestion also arises from 
diseased teeth and imperfect mastication. The same 
unpleasant symptoms observable in dyspeptic canine 
subjects are present in the cat, viz., flatulency, acid 
eructations, offensive breath, constipation or diar- 
rhoea, abdominal distension, vomiting, spasms, furred 
tongue, and sometimes husky cough. 

Treatment — The diet is usually the first matter to 
be considered, and if too rich and stimulating should 
be restricted to plain and easily digested materials. 
Milk with a third of lime-water has a marked cor- 
rective effect in these cases, and where there is much 
flatulence small doses of vegetable charcoal and 




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DISEASES OF THE STOMACH 23 

bismuth are serviceable. When the stomach has 
regained a healthy tone, the diet may be gradually 
increased in nutriment, but never suddenly. In 
abdominal distension with troublesome eructations, 
great comfort is afforded by gentle hand-rubbing, 
and warm-water enemas are useful if constipation 
is also present. The removal of loose, broken, or 
decayed teeth is necessarily indicated. 

Vomiting. 

Vomiting may result from an overloaded stomach, 
particularly if there has been long abstinence from 
food, and a rapid, heavy meal has been made ; or it 
may be an indication of stomach affections, as gastritis 
and gastric catarrh, or arise from the presence of 
irritating matters within it — notably worms and other 
foreign agents, including poisons. 

Vomiting is also associated with injuries and 
diseases of the throat, oesophageal obstruction, and 
various other disorders, including bowel stoppage 
and prolonged constipation. The vomit may be 
mucoid, bilious, sanguineous, or ingestal — mucoid 
when associated with gastric catarrh ; bilious in 
connection with liver disturbance ; sanguineous in 
gastritis, especially with ulceration and lesions of 
the mucous membrane ; ingestal when mixed with 
food and other offending matters. When there is 
great irritability of the stomach, as in acute gastritis? 
and notably when ulceration is present, vomiting 
usually occ^urs immediately after food has been taken, 
whether voluntarily or administered. When it takes 
place in a cat in good health, it may fairly be at- 
tributed to indigestion or some irritant. 



24 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

It is not at all unusual to see a cat vomit a mouse 
soon after devouring it, or even w^hen partially 
digested, which doubtless arises from the irritability 
caused by some portion of the rodent's anatomy, 
probably its fine sharp claws. 

In the numerous animals I receive from various 
parts of the country for post-mortem examination, 
many curious cases of gastric mischief are revealed. 
In the stomach of the cat it is most common to find, 
for instance, the foot of a rabbit or the head of a 
fowl partially digested, in which the claws of the 
former or the beak of the latter have played their 
part in setting up gastric irritation or inflammatory 
action ; and the constant retching and vomiting, with 
gastric, enteric, and other associated symptoms prior 
to death, have frequently created the suspicion, not 
to an amateur unwarranted, that poison has been 
given or received.* 

Not only the indigestible nature of the appendages 
of the rabbit's foot, but the irritation of the fur, 
especially in delicately bred cats, will produce the 
symptoms named ; indeed, very active exertion after 
the ingestion of such a meal will give rise to vomit- 
ing. However, a properly fed cat in normal health 
seldom eats a rabbit's foot or fowl's head. 

Treatment. — If vomiting occurs from an overloaded 
stomach, accumulation of bile, phlegm, mucus, irri- 
tating substances, or poisons, it should be encouraged 
rather than checked ; but when associated with acute 

* A scare of this description took place some years ago at 
Hastings, arising from a hare's foot being found in the stomach 
of a dog which had died from gastritis in the vicinity of a 
game and poultry shop. 



DISEASES OF THE STOMACH 25 

gastritis, and especially ulceration, its abatement is 
indicated, and the necessary treatment will be found 
in dealing with these affections under their respective 
headings. When the vomit is foul and acid, am- 
monia, carbonate of soda, and charcoal are useful 
agents, with milk and lime-water diet. In all 
instances of abnormal sensitiveness of the stomach, 
it should be remembered that liquid or semi-Hquid 
food is more easily digested than solid. 

Worms. 

These when present in the stomach give rise to 
severe gastric disturbance, great nervous excitement, 
and convulsions. (See Fits.) The species of worm 
present is the Ascaris marginata, or marginated round- 
worm. Retching, vomiting, foetid breath, enteric 
disturbance, colicky pains, emaciation, and frequent 
husky cough, are also among the symptoms mani- 
fested under the influence of worms which have found 
their way into the stomach of the cat. 

Treatment. — This consists in expulsion of the pests, 
and for this purpose a vermifuge is obviously indi- 
cated ; J grain of santonine and 4 minims of oil of 
male fern in a teaspoonful of salad-oil should be given 
fasting, and one hour afterwards a little warm milk. 
The vermifuge may be repeated in two days. Some- 
times an emetic of warm salt and mustard-water will 
cause the worms to be vomited, but it is advisable 
to increase the existing irritation of the stomach as 
little as possible. When the worms are expelled, a 
mucilaginous diet soothes the mucous membrane. 



26 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

Gastric Catarrh. 

This usually arises from irritating food and other 
deleterious matters in the stomach (not unfrequently 
worms), and may also be produced by exposure to 
cold, or be associated with chronic gastritis and 
indigestion. It sometimes accompanies or is a sequel 
of distemper. 

Symptoms. — Nausea, with vomiting of mucus, or a 
clear viscid matter resembling the white of a raw 
egg. Depression, furred tongue, loss of appetite, 
and frequently thirst, are generally present. Often, 
however, after water has been lapped, it is thrown 
up again in a short time, either slightly frothy and 
glutinous or mixed with mucus. There is frequently 
present a dry, husky cough (hence the term * husk '). 
Diarrhoea and emaciation follow the long continuance 
of gastric catarrh. 

Treatment. — I advise giving an emetic, either 
I grain of tartarized antimony, half to a teaspoonful 
of ipecacuanha wine, or a little warm salt and 
mustard-water, followed by a mild aperient and diet 
of iced skim milk and demulcents. Vegetable tonics 
and cod-liver-oil are subsequently serviceable in giving 
tone to the stomach. If worms are suspected, their 
immediate expulsion is essential, their presence in 
the stomach leading to other and graver symptoms. 
(See Fits.) 

Gastritis. 

Inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the 
stomach may supervene on prolonged gastric catarrh, 
but is more usually produced by mechanical injuries, 



DISEASES OF THE STOMACH 27 

as sharp spiculi of bone, or other substances, also 
from irritant poisons and external violence. 

Symptoms. — Gastritis is accompanied by frequent 
vomition, which is prominent throughout the disease ; 
in fact, the sufferer is unable, except under special 
circumstances and diet, to retain food. The bowels 
are in a variable condition, alternately constipated 
or relaxed, and pressure or digital manipulation over 
the region of the stomach causes acute pain. 

There is great febrile disturbance, indicated by 
increased temperature, a small rapid pulse, accelerated 
breathing, dry hot nose, furred tongue, injected 
mucous membranes, and intense thirst. The sufferer 
usually lies stretched out on its side, or full length 
on the belly in a cold place, giving vent to weak, 
pitiful mews. As the malady proceeds the extremi- 
ties become cold, frequent shiverings occur, the eyes 
are sunken, and the pulse is almost imperceptible. 
The sudden disappearance of pain, coldness of the 
ears, body, and stationary condition of the skin 
when gathered up, with slight twitching of the 
limbs and intermittent breathing, denote gangrene 
has set in, and the poor creature dies gradually and 
quietly or in delirium. 

Treatment. — Hot linseed poultices or flannel 
wrung out of hot mustard -water should without 
delay be applied over the stomach, and frequently 
repeated. Cold water or iced milk may be freely 
allowed ; nothing is more grateful to the burning 
stomach. Nourishment should be administered in 
small quantities in the form of mucilage, as milk and 
isinglass, or arrowroot, which, while protecting the 
irritable and inflamed mucous membrane, at the 



28 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

same time sustains the patient.* Medicinally, opium, 
I to 3 grains in a little barley - water or thin gum 
mucilage, is the best sedative to the sensitive stomach. 
Constipation should be relieved with thin gruel 
enemas. When great prostration exists, nutrient 
enemas should be given in sufficiently small quantities 
to insure their retention, and repeated if rejected, or 
the anus closed with the finger for a time. It is 
imperative to place the patient on a very soft bed, 
and the return to solid food should be most gradual 
and approached with the greatest care. 

* ' In prescribing a diet in oversensitive conditions of the 
stomachy it must be recollected that the food which comes into 
contact with the interior of the organ is to be regarded much in 
the same light as a local application made to tender parts of 
the body ; and as we should avoid bringing in contact with the 
latter any but bland and unirritating dressings, so with the 
former a similar principle must guide us, and we must select 
such matters only, and in such quantities as, while they are 
fitted to sustain the body, would be unirritating if applied to an 
external sore, and which experience has shown may be used, 
introduced into the sensitive stomach, without producing pain 
or distress. 

' In inflammatory and ulcerative conditions of the stomach, 
where the tenderness of the stomach is more due to the extent 
and severity of these lesions than to the exalted impressibility 
of the nervous system, the diet must often be exceedingly rigid, 
being limited to some of the most bla7id a?id soft or liquid 
articles of food, such as milk, arrowroot, gruel or beef-tea, 
which can sometimes only be tolerated when given in the 
smallest quantities at a time, such as a tablespoonful or a tea- 
spoonful. In cases in which acidity prevails, one-third part of 
lime-water is advantageously added. When these small quan- 
tities are given, they must be repeated every ten or twenty 
minutes, with occasional longer intervals, and if insufficient to 
support the patient, injections of good beef-tea, in addition, be 
thrown into the rectum,' — Ballard on Pain after Food, 



DISEASES OF THE STOMACH 29 

Gastro-enteritis. 

The gastro-intestinal mucous membrane, in young 
cats especially, is more frequently the seat of disease 
than is usually suspected, hence the frequent reply 
to post-mortem queries: * Death resulted from 
gastro-enteritis.' 

Food of an improper nature, a vitiated atmosphere, 
and various foreign and septic irritants, may sever- 
ally or combined produce gastro-enteric inflamma- 
tion. In kittenhood kitten diet should be the rule, 
instead of, as it too often is, the exception. It is a 
great error to tax the undeveloped digestive organs 
by giving food impossible of digestion, which becomes 
in great part decomposed, acts as an irritant, and 
results' in offensive diarrhoea. In short, cats and all 
other domesticated animals should be fed as nearly 
as possible in harmony with the laws of Nature. 

A special form of inflammation of the stomach 
and bowels combined frequently attacks cats, and 
has lately been somewhat prevalent, assuming the 
appearance of an epidemic and being undoubtedly 
infectious. This type of gastro-enteritis is usually 
due to septic influences arising from unsanitary 
surroundings or impure food and water, and espe- 
cially from contaminated milk. 

Symptoms. — These in many respects simulate 
typhoid. The disease is accompanied with great 
prostration, offensive diarrhoea, often of a dirty green 
colour, or resembling pea soup. There is increased 
pulse, injection of the visible mucous membranes, 
furred tongue — especially dark at the edges — high 
temperature, abdominal enlargement and tenderness, 



30 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

disinclination to move, and in advanced cases the 
animal lies stretched out on the side. In some 
cases there is frequent vomiting and intense thirst. 
Before death the animal may become comatose or 
delirious. A post - mortem examination usually 
reveals gangrenous ulceration of the stomach and 
bowels, with frequently lung complications ; in 
others, diffused patches of gastric and intestinal in- 
flammation, with extravasated blood spots. 

Treatment. — Astringents and opiates are useful, 
especially opiate enemas, which subdue the intestinal 
irritation and check the diarrhoea. 

Phenacetin in 2 -grain doses for an adult cat, 
repeated every three or four hours, is extremely 
efficacious in lowering the temperature and pulse 
and relieving respiratory difficulty. The effect of a 
dose of this drug lasts from three to four hours, and 
is valuable in all acute febrile disorders. 

Half to a grain of naphthol in half a teaspoonful 
of salad-oil is an excellent antiseptic in enteric 
disease, lessening the smell and irritant character 
of the faeces, and thus checking diarrhoea. On no 
account in cases of gastro-enteritis should purga- 
tives be given. Hot fomentations or poultices to the 
abdomen are soothing and useful. 

In persistent diarrhoea small doses of sulphate of 
copper and opium are useful, h grain of the former 
and I grain of the latter. Starch enemas may also 
be employed. 

The patient should be nourished with fluid 
mucilaginous food. A little iced milk occasionally 
is very grateful. 

Strict cleanliness and disinfection should be 



DISEASES OF THE STOMACH 31 

rigidly observed ; evacuations, before removal, should 
be promptly covered with some active antiseptic 
and deodorant. Petanelle Powder is very im- 
mediate in its action on cat discharges, and can 
therefore be commended. Failing this, chloride of 
lime or chinosol. 

When the acute symptoms have subsided, and 
during the approach of convalescence, small quantities 
of Easton's Syrup and cod-liver-oil may be given, 
and the yolk of egg with cream beaten up, and by 
degrees a little shredded or scrapped raw meat can 
be introduced ; but the greatest caution should be 
exercised in giving solid food, as the gastric and 
intestinal mucous membrane remains in an extremely 
sensitive condition for a considerable period after an 
attack of this disease. 

For gastro-enteric inflammation associated with 
worms, see Gastritis and Enteritis. 

Foreign Bodies. 

Amongst the foreign bodies found in the stomach 
of the cat, there occasionally exist accumulations of 
fur which have from time to time been swallowed in 
the process of licking the coat. In one instance a 
post-mortem examination revealed a nearly round 
solid pellet of fur coated with mucus, which had 
assumed dimensions too large to vomit or to be 
passed into the intestines. The creature had been 
gradually wasting for some time, and been noticed to 
have frequent attacks of retching, especially before 
feeding. Occasionally I have discovered fixed fish- 
bones, and once a needle and thread. 



32 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

Gastrotomy, i.e., opening the stomach, is the only 
means of removing a substance too large to be 
vomited or passed into the bov^els. The operation, 
however, is attended with considerable danger, 
and may only be risked by an expert abdominal 
surgeon. 



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CHAPTER IV 
DISEASES OF THE BOWELS 

CONSTIPATION — DIARRHCEA — DYSENTERY — COLIC — 
ENTERITIS — PILES — WORMS. 

Constipation. 

This arises from a torpid condition of the bowels, 
inducing a collection and retention of hard fseculent 
matter, which is evacuated with difficulty and pain. 
Constipation is an associate of many diseases, and is 
a common attendant on paralysis and piles. If long 
maintained, protrusion of the anus takes place, the 
breath becomes offensive, and retching and vomiting 
occur. 

Treatment. — Warm soapy water enemas and the 
administration of salad-oil, which I always prefer 
as a mechanical laxative ; i to 2 dessertspoonfuls 
may be given to a full-grown cat. If the impaction 
is unusually hard, it should be broken down with 
the little finger (previously oiled), or otherwise, if the 
passage is too small, with a probe, and subsequently 
an injection of salad-oil should be given, or a little 
glycerine, but I only advise the latter in obstinate 
cases. For a few days it is advisable to feed the 
animal on sloppy diet, and teaspoonful doses of salad- 

3 



34 



DISEASES OF THE CAT 



oil daily assist materially in maintaining a softened 
condition of the faeces. 

Diarrhoea. 

This is a complaint to which all cats are more or 
less subject, both young and old. It means the 
frequent evacuation of liquid faeces, and is an effort 
of Nature to get rid of some intestinal irritant, 
which may be putrid or undigested food, acrid bile, 
worms, poison, sharp portions of bone, grit, or other 
mechanical disturbants, not forgetting impure sur- 
roundings. Unweaned kittens may be affected 
through the mother's milk, and subsequently through 
the household milk being too rich and stimulating, 
and creating acidity. 

Treatment. — At the onset a small dose of castor-oil 
or double the quantity of salad-oil should be given to 
remove the irritant. It is a great mistake to rush 
to astringents at first, and thus check the efforts of 
Nature to rid the bowels of the irritating cause of the 
attack. After the oil, if the diarrhoea still continues, 
the following mixture may be used : 



Ess. menth. pip. 
Extract, opii ... 
Prepared chalk 
Tinct. catechu... 
Infusum maticae 



6 minims. 
6 grains. 

1 drachm. 

2 drachms. 
4 ounces. 



Half to a teaspoonful to be given after 
every evacuation. 

Chlorodyne, lo minims, in a teaspoonful or two of 
brandy and water is also efficacious. The diet 
should consist of mutton broth thickened with 
isinglass, or rice and barley milk slightly tepid. If 



DISEASES OF THE BOWELS 35 

worms are present their speedy expulsion is indi- 
cated. In kittens, when diarrhoea is caused by 
acidity of milk, 5 grains of bicarbonate of soda in 
a teaspoonful of tepid water is the simplest and 
safest treatment, and if suckling double the dose 
with 15 grains of rhubarb may be given to the 

mother. 

Dysentery. 

This generally follows neglected and protracted 
diarrhoea, and is much more serious than the latter 
by reason of the inflamed condition of the intestinal 
mucous membrane. The presence of vitiated bile, 
putrid food, and worms are exciting causes of 
dysentery, and especially septic influences, when it 
frequently assumes a contagious form. 

Symptoms. — Frequent offensive muco-sanguineous 
evacuations, sometimes mixed with small hard por- 
tions of excrement. The animal strains violently 
and exhibits considerable prostration. When ulcera- 
tion is established, long shreds of lymph and 
purulent matter are discharged. There is great 
feverishness, accompanied by considerable thirst and 
loss of appetite. 

Treatment, — Demulcent and mucilaginous drinks 
should be frequently administered, as milk thickened 
with isinglass or arrowroot. Medicinally small doses 
of sulphate of copper and opium, 5^ to i grain of the 
former and i to 3 grains of the latter, or chlorodyne, 
10 to 15 minims, in barley-water. Hot bran or 
linseed poultices to the abdomen afford relief. 

The patient should be kept perfectly quiet and 
moderately warm, and cleanliness of the external 
parts and bedding be strictly observed, together with 

3—2 



36 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

thorough antiseptic measures ; the latter is especially 
necessary in septic cases, in which the creature 
should also be isolated. 

In persistent cases of dysentery, starch and opiate 
enemas should be employed. 

Colic. 

Colic may arise from indigestion, intestinal ob- 
struction, flatulency caused by fermentation of food, 
or worms and other foreign substances. A special 
form of colic is caused by lead-poisoning. Young 
kittens are occasionally affected through acidity of 
milk. 

Symptoms, — These appear suddenly ; the back is 
arched, and the belly drawn up or blown out with 
gas, and frequently painful mews are given vent to. 
The animal is restless and constantly on the move, 
or if lying down continually changing its position. 

Treatment.— If the attack occurs in an adult cat, 
give a teaspoonful of castor-oil in a dessertspoonful 
of warm milk. An enema is also useful, and ab- 
dominal hand-rubbing affords relief. In acute pain 
5 to 10 minims of chlorodyne in a dessertspoonful 
of weak brandy and water may be given. Where 
there is much flatulency, lo minims of sal volatile in a 
dessertspoonful of water will neutralize the gas, or 
3 minims of essence of peppermint and lo grains of 
bicarbonate of soda in the same quantity of water. 

When colic occurs in unweaned kittens (a very 
rare occurrence), they should be removed if possible 
to a foster-mother, or the parent be treated with 
bicarbonate of soda, and have milk and lime-water 
to lap. For lead colic, see Poisons. 



DISEASES OF THE BOWELS 37 

Enteritis. 

Inflammation of the bowels is both a dangerous 
and agonizing disease, and usually involves the 
entire structure of the gut, i.e., the mucous mem- 
brane lining it, the muscular coat, and the outside 
or peritoneal covering; but the mucous membrane 
in all instances is the chief seat of inflammation, 
and the other structures are more or less involved 
according to the severity and advancement of the 
disease. 

Enteritis may follow protracted colic, abdominal 
contact with wet and cold, foreign bodies in the 
intestines (especially worms), stoppage, strangula- 
tion, and irritant poisons. 

Symptoms. — A careful diagnosis is of the greatest 
importance. It is highly dangerous to treat a cat 
for colic when enteritis is present ; the measures for 
the former would intensify the condition of the 
latter, and produce fatal termination. The pain in 
colic is intermittent, and pressure or friction to the 
abdomen affords relief, as also do stimulants and 
carminatives, whereas in enteritis the pain is con- 
tinuous and extremely severe, and abdominal pres- 
sure cannot be borne. 

In colic there is no injection of the visible mucous 
membranes, no increase in temperature, and only 
slight acceleration of the pulse and breathing during 
the spasm. 

In enteritis the visible mucous membranes are 
highly injected, the thermometer per rectum shows 
considerable increase of temperature, and the pulse 
is increased in frequency and small. 



38 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

In addition to the foregoing distinctive symptoms, 
there is great restlessness, thirst, obstinate constipa- 
tion (or the reverse with mucoid and bloody evacua- 
tions), and offensive vomit. As the inflammatory 
action proceeds, the abdomen becomes very hot and 
extremely sensitive ; the breath is hurried and purely 
thoracic — i.e., no abdominal movement in respiration 
takes place. The sufferer assumes a sitting posture, 
lies flat on its side, or rolls over on its back, 
endeavouring in every way to avoid abdominal pres- 
sure. 

Finally, abdominal distension takes place, and the 
sunken eyes, running-down pulse, low temperature, 
icy -cold mouth, cold extremities, short, difficult 
respiration, cadaverous odour, herald the approach 
of death, which may be preceded by convulsions or 
delirium. 

Treatment. — First of all place the patient on an 
ample soft bed, then apply hot fomentations, linseed 
poultices, or flannel wrung out of hot mustard-water 
(I prefer the latter, as not exercising so much pres- 
sure), to the abdomen, and repeat if necessary. To 
alleviate the pain i to 2 grains of opium may be 
administered in a teaspoonful of barley-water or thin 
gum mucilage. Opiate enemas can be given for the 
same purpose. If constipation is present, a dessert- 
spoonful of salad-oil should be given, and a little 
warm oil may be injected into the rectum ; but on 
no account should soapy water or glycerine be used, 
or, indeed, anything that is calculated to irritate the 
inflamed bowels, and this applies also to drastic 
purgatives, the administration of which is most 
dangerous. 



DISEASES OF THE BOWELS 39 

When the acute symptoms have subsided, the 
counter -irritation may be discontinued; but the 
abdomen must be kept thoroughly warm and the 
patient quiet. Bland mucilaginous drinks should 
form the only support during the illness, and great 
care must be exercised in the diet when the patient 
is convalescent. A little well-boiled fish should be 
the first solid meal, and as strength increases finely- 
shredded raw meat in small quantities. 

Piles. 

Cats are seldom troubled with piles. Some cases, 
however, have come under my notice in aged, over- 
fed, and plethoric animals which have been allowed 
to lead a life of indolence and been surfeited with 
good living. 

Symptoms. — The anus is swollen and relaxed, with 
protrusion and injection of the rectal mucous mem- 
brane. If the piles are external, a collection of 
small tortuous or varicose veins may be observed. 
The animal manifests considerable irritation of the 
part. If internal, the tumefaction is frequently pro- 
truded in the act of defecation, which is accompanied 
by considerable straining. Frequently there is a 
foetid discharge, and the stools are often mixed with 
blood. Abscess or fistula may follow neglect. 

Treatment. — The bowels should be regulated, con- 
stipation especially avoided, and a plain, sparing diet 
allowed. Locally, ice, tannic acid, and belladonna 
ointment, or a decoction of oak bark, may be applied. 
An injection of a solution of permanganate of potash 
or chinosol when foetor is present is advisable, and 
constipation should be relieved by gruel enemas. 



40 DISEASES OF THE CAT 



Worms. 



Cats are subject to tape-worm {Tcenia solium) and 
round-worm {Ascaris marginata), more frequently the 
latter (see Diseases of the Stomach). The presence 
of worms creates an unthrifty appearance ; the fur is 
harsh, dry, and lustreless, and frequently the animal 
has a pot-bellied look, which is more pronounced 
when emaciated. The appetite is variable, generally, 
if tape-worm exists, rapacious. In the latter small 
segments may often be seen on the fur near the 
anus or on the underneath part of the tail. 

Treatment. — J to i grain of santonine and 3 or 4 
minims of oil of male fern in a teaspoonful of salad- 
oil given fasting is a most efficacious vermifuge for 
round-worms, and 20 to 30 grains of freshly ground 
areca-nut for tape-worm. 

The statement made in an advertising brochure, 
that cod-liver-oil is an excellent antidote for worms 
in the cat, is absurdly erroneous. It is without 
doubt a highly nutritive and recuperative agent to 
the host after the expulsion of worms, but if given 
for the latter purpose it has precisely the opposite 
effect, and sustains their vitality and encourages 
their presence. 




RUSSIAN AND PERSIAN. 
The Property of Mrs. Wellbve. 

(From a photograph by E. Landor, EaHng.) 



CHAPTER V 
DISEASES OF THE SKIN 

MANGE (SARCOPTIC AND FOLLICULAR) — RING-WORM — 
ECZEMA — HERPES — VERMIN. 

Mange. 

Two forms of this disease attack the cat, viz., 
sarcoptic and follictilar, both being produced by an 
acarus which multiphes speedily under filth and 
neglect. The disease in either form is characterized 
by intense itching, small red points which ultimately 
break and discharge a purulent serous fluid forming 
scales, which when removed by scratching or ex- 
foliation leave bare patches. A peculiar mousy 
odour is invariably present. 

In follicular mange the acarus, unlike the former, 
which is on the surface of the skin, buries itself in 
the sebaceous and hair follicles, and owing to this 
position the disease is not so contagious or rapid in 
development as sarcoptic mange, though more diffi- 
cult to treat and of longer duration. 

A dressing composed of 

Sulphur sub. ... ... ... i ounce, 

Zinc. oxid. ... ... ... J ounce, 

Balsam of Peru ... ... ... Jounce, 

Paraffin ... ... ... ... i drachm. 



42 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

mixed into a thin paste with sweet oil, and applied 
daily to the affected parts, will usually be found 
efficacious in ordinary mange. On no account 
should the subject be washed until a week after the 
final dressing, the latter dependent on the cessation 
of all irritation, loose branlike scales, soundness of 
skin surface underneath, with appearance of new 
growth of fine fur on the bare patches, and absence 
of mousy odour. 

In follicular mange I advise first dressing with 
I part of naphthol to 20 of sweet oil, to be gently 
rubbed into the affected parts for three consecutive 
days and subsequently with the following : 

White precipitate ... ... i drachm. 

Turpentine ... ... ... i drachm. 

Sulphur... ... ... ... I ounce. 

Oil or vaseline ... i ounce. 

To be applied daily. 

The animal should wear a coat or covering whilst 
under this dressing, on account of the mercurial 
ingredient, and every care must be taken to guard 
against licking. 

The diet of mangy cats should be nutritious but 
not stimulating, and medicinally a pinch of sulphur 
may be given in the milk, and if there is much 
debiHty a teaspoonful of cod-liver-oil and 30 drops of 
Parish's Chemical Food daily. 

Ring-worm. 

The form of this disease which affects the cat is 
that known as tinea favosa, or honeycomb ringworm, 
and is produced by a minute vegetable parasite or 
fungus. The invasion may appear in any part of the 




"OMAR," FAMOUS IMPORTED PERSIAN CHINCHILLA. 

Properly^ of 
Miss A. L. Pollard, Elizabeth, N. J. " 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN 43 

body, but most usually in cats it is first found at the 
base of the claws and the fore-feet, from mice infec- 
tion. From here it is generally transferred to the 
ears, head and face in the process of the animal 
cleaning itself. The intense irritation witnessed in 
the dog suffering from ring-worm is not so pronounced 
in the cat, but a peculiar mousy or urinal odour is 
invariably present. At the onset small yellow specks 
are observed at the seat of disease, which soon become 
elevated, with depressed centres, from which hairs 
protrude, and are easily withdrawn, not being dry, 
brittle, and easily broken, as in ordinary ring-worm. 

The disease is communicable from the cat to 
human beings, many examples of which have come 
under my notice, notably one in which every member 
of the family had facial attacks through caressing 
a cat with infected feet. Dogs, rats, and tame mice 
have also communicated ring-worm to the human 
subject. 

In the Lyon Medical (No. 21) M. Horand gives an 
account of two cases of transmission of tinea favosa 
from the lower animals to mankind. A girl, fifteen 
years old, had a cutaneous eruption on the outer 
side and back of the left hand, as well as towards 
the clavicle on the same side. An examination of 
the scurf and crusts from the centre of the patches 
revealed the presence of the A chorion, proving that 
the eruption was tinea favosa. In investigating 
its cause, it was gathered that one of the mistresses 
of this young girl was also affected with a similar 
eruption, and a microscopic inspection of the matters 
obtained from it established the fact. It was then 
ascertained that a cat in the house, which was often 



44 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

caressed by the two patients, had been attacked 
some time previously by a crusty outbreak on its 
left ear and right fore-paw. There was still a little 
crust on the latter, and when a portion of it was 
submitted to microscopical scrutiny fragments of 
the Achorion were readily found. Horland clearly 
established the transmission of the disease from the 
cat to the people, but how did the animal obtain 
it ? From a rat, replies Horland ; and this source 
is very probable, if not absolutely certain, as he then 
gives an interesting history of a woman who con- 
tracted favus through introducing her hand into 
a rat-trap in which there had been a rat that had 
favus crusts on its head {Ann. de Med, Vet, de 
Brux.). 

Treatment, — I advise first washing the affected 
parts with a solution of hyposulphite of soda, 30 
grains to the ounce of water, and then painting daily 
with iodine liniment. I have found nitrate of 
mercury ointment (i in 4) the most efficacious, but 
under this treatment it is necessary to guard against 
the patient licking the parts, and if the feet are 
affected they should be enclosed in washleather or 
rubber socks. 

Cats infected with ring-worm should be completely 
isolated, and disinfection thoroughly carried out. 
Straw or pine shavings form the most suitable 
bedding, which should be burnt each day and 
replenished with fresh. It is perhaps needless to 
say after dressing or handling such a patient careful 
ablution should follow, and the water may be 
asepticized with permanganate of potash, chinosol, 
or formalin. 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN 45 

Eczema. 

This is a non-contagious vesicular skin disease, 
which gives rise to considerable irritation and dis- 
figurement. Though often confined to the thin and 
bare portions of the skin, as between the thighs, on 
the abdomen, and in the armpits, it very frequently 
attacks the cat on the head, above and around the 
eyes, also on the back, and especially towards the 
root of the tail. 

Symptoms. — At first the skin is flushed and hot, 
and then patches of minute vesicles appear, which 
become ruptured through the animal constantly 
scratching or rubbing the parts. The exuded matter 
dries, and forms thin scabs or crusts, which if 
forcibly removed give rise to bleeding, extended 
sores, ulceration, and aggravation of the complaint. 

Eczema may be inherited, and is most frequently 
seen in inbred cats and those in a plethoric and 
overfed condition. One attack favours a recurrence. 

Treatment. — On no account should an eczematous 
cut be washed or fomented. The simplest and most 
efficacious dressing is an ointment composed of equal 
parts of oxide of zinc and sulphur and 2 parts of 
vaseline or sweet oil, applied to the affected parts 
daily. Wet sores may be occasionally dusted with 
dry oxide of zinc. Medicinally, a little magnesia or 
carbonate of potash in milk or on butter is beneficial. 
The diet should be plain and unstimulating. Salt 
fish especially must be prohibited. 

Herpes (Labialis). 

Herpes is a non-contagious vesicular skin erup- 
tion accompanied by irritation, redness, heat, and 



46 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

swelling. When affecting the lips (herpes labia- 
lis), they become much swollen, and after vesicular 
rupture wet sores occur from lymph exudation, 
and ultimately scale if not interfered with. Accord- 
ing to Erasmus Wilson, the eruption in herpes 
labialis is preceded by painful tension of the lip, 
sometimes affecting the mucous membrane of the 
prolabium only, at other times the integument alone, 
and, again, both the one and the other conjointly. 

I am indebted to my son, Mr. Percy Woodroffe 
Hill, M.R.C.V.S., for notes of some cases which 
appear to me to bear a close resemblance to, if not 
actually, herpes labialis. He writes : ' I have also 
had two or three cats with bleeding sores, quite 
healthy in appearance, on the lips and e3^elids, with 
a lot of thickening of the epidermis, but not a 
growth. All the whiskers on the affected side of 
the cat's mouth had disappeared. No ointments 
seemed to do any good, so I cauterized them well, 
daily at first, and then on alternate days, with silver 
nitrate, and they healed up in about a fortnight, and 
have not returned. It was not eczema, I am sure, 
as the rest of the body was perfectly clean, and these 
places when the animals were brought to me had been 
in existence some weeks — first a swelling of the lip, 
then the skin broke, and always after that a gradually 
increasing bleeding sore followed, quite red and raw- 
looking.' 

Vermin. 

Fleas and lice are unpleasant feline guests, their 
presence being encouraged by neglect and filth. The 
former may be got rid of with turpentine, aniseed, 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN 47 

Persian insect powder, stavesacre decoction, tobacco- 
water, paraffin, benzoline, or spirits of camphor. I 
prefer one of the three latter appHed with a spray. 
It is necessary that not only all the fleas should be 
removed, but also their larvae. 

Lice, though not attended by so much irritability 
as the former, are nevertheless troublesome, and 
perhaps more annoying from the fact that they are 
usually an indication of uncleanliness. They are 
hatched from eggs or nits attached to the fur. A 
dressing of stavesacre, i part to 30 of vinegar, is 
sometimes effectual; but white precipitate powder 
carefully brushed into the fur, and removed in five 
or six hours, is by far the most effectual application 
for the destruction of lice. It is necessary, however, 
to guard against the animal licking itself whilst thus 
treated. 



CHAPTER VI 
DISEASES OF THE EAR 

CANKER — SEROUS ABSCESS. 

Canker. 

This unpleasant affection is not uncommon in the 
ear of the cat, and may arise from three distinct 
causes, viz.: (i) Congestion of the bloodvessels pro- 
duced by water or other foreign matters lodging in 
the ear ; (2) associated with eczema ; (3) due to the 
presence of minute acari. 

Symptoms. — The visible lining membrane of the 
ear-passage has an inflamed appearance, whilst the 
root of the ear itself is hot and tender. There is a 
constant inclination to rub the organ on the ground 
and scratch it. If one ear only is affected, or worse 
than its fellow, the head is held down on that side. 
An offensive, darkish - brown discharge issues from 
the passage. Occasionally the glands of the throat 
are swollen, generally so in severe cases. 

Treatment, — After syringing the ear with warm 
water, asepticized with permanganate of potash or 
chinosol, pour into it a few drops of sweet oil, then 
a pinch of oxide of zinc, and gently work together 
by manipulating the ear externally with the thumb 



DISEASES OF THE EAR 49 

and finger. If this treatment is pursued daily, recovery 
(where ulceration has not taken place) is usually 
established in a week to ten days. When ulcerated 
slightly, touch with nitrate of silver or 20 per cent, 
solution of sulphate of copper. In parasitic canker, 
either the nitrate of mercury ointment (i in 4) or the 
ordinary white precipitate will effect a cure. A saline 
aperient is advisable if much febrile disturbance is 
present. 

Serous Abscess. 

Cats are frequently the subject of serous abscess 
in the ear — in other words, an accumulation of serum 
between the integument on the inside of the ear and 
the cartilage underneath. This collection of fluid 
causes the organ to fall, and gives it a baggy, 
dropsical appearance. On handling it, the ear will 
be found hot, extremely sensitive to pressure, and 
the nature of the swelling is readily detected. Such 
a condition usually arises from a blow. 

Treatment. — The sac should be opened at its most 
dependent part with a lance, or sharp scalpel, or pen- 
knife, making a free incision lengthwise — i.e.f towards 
the point of the ear (never across) — and evacuating 
the contents. When empty, gently press the ear flat 
between the thumb and forefinger for a minute or so 
to exclude air from the sac; then place a piece of 
lint or pad of cotton-wool over the wound, and bind 
the ear inverted to the head for a few hours. In cats 
this bandage is not so easily retained as with dogs ; 
therefore the patient should be kept under surveil- 
lance. Usually the wound quickly heals and the 
ear assumes its normal carriage. Should secondary 

4 



50 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

effusion occur and be neglected, lymph is thrown out, 
and, becoming organized, gives rise to a thick, lumpy, 
contracted, puckered condition of the ear. In this 
case it should again be incised, all adhesions separated 
and removed, the contractions dispersed by massage 
and gradual stretching (taking care the root of the 
ear is held firmly during the procedure). The space 
between the integument and cartilage should then be 
packed with cotton-wool steeped in tincture of iodine, 
and renewed every second day until all thickening 
and lumpiness have disappeared, and the ear assumed 
its natural character. 



CHAPTER VII 
DISEASES OF THE EYE 

OPHTHALMIA — PROTRUSION OF EYEBALL — 
HYDROPHTHALMIA. 

Ophthalmia. 

Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye- 
ball and lids may be of a catarrhal form, or occur 
as the result of external violence, the presence of 
irritating foreign matters, exposure to damp and 
cold, or be sympathetic with other diseases, notably 
distemper. 

Symptoms. — Intolerance of light, cold, draught, 
or touch ; repeated closing of eyelids, considerable 
lachrymation, redness of the conjunctival membrane 
v^ith swollen eyelids ; the cornea is traversed with 
engorged bloodvessels, followed by ulceration and 
loss of sight if the case is neglected. 

Treatment. — The lids should be opened, and a 
careful examination made for the presence of foreign 
matters, which if discovered must be gently removed, 
and a spot of sweet oil may be applied with a feather 
or camel-hair brush, or simply dropped in the eye. 
Afterwards warm sedative fomentations with a soft 
sponge are useful and soothing. Exposure to light 

4—2 



52 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

or cold, and especially the near approach to a fire, 
must be avoided. When the eye becomes opaque 
(milky), I advise the application of dry oxide of 
zinc, after first bathing with warm milk and water. 
Ulceration of the cornea in the cat will equally yield 
to oxide of zinc, which in canine and feline practice 
is practically a specific in these cases. Where there 
is considerable pain and distress, a drop of 5 per cent, 
solution of cocaine affords great relief. It is not 
unusual for cats after shows, when there has been 
too pungent disinfection, to have ophthalmic attacks. 
Conjunctivitis often occurs in young kittens from ex- 
posure to cold, and the eyelids become glued together 
with discharge ; they should be gently separated with 
a warm, wet sponge, and a little oil applied to the 
edges of the lids. 

Protrusion of the Eyeball. 

This usually occurs from external violence, often 
from dog-worrying, many cases of which have come 
under my notice. If the displacement is unduly 
prolonged, blindness results from stretching and 
paralysis of the optic nerve. The return of the organ 
is not difficult if the accident is recent when taken 
in hand. The patient should be enclosed (all but 
the head) in a shawl or sacking, and, being firmly 
held by an assistant (generally a second one is 
required to hold the head), the operator should first 
apply with a soft sponge some warm milk and water 
to the protruded optic, and especially should any 
grit, dirt, hairs, or foreign matter be removed. Then, 
after applying a drop or two of olive-oil, allowing it 
to suffuse the entire protrusion, the upper lid, and 



DISEASES OF THE EYE 53 

sometimes the lower, is to be grasped at the centre 
of its margin with forceps, and drawn firmly forward, 
at the same time bringing gentle pressure to bear on 
the eyeball with the thumb or finger until it returns 
within the socket. The inverted condition of the 
lids in some cases creates a little difficulty in obtain- 
ing a firm hold ; in these cases claw forceps are the 
most useful. To prevent recurrent protrusion, a pad 
of wet lint should be immediately applied, with a 
head bandage. Occasionally it is necessary, especially 
after prolonged displacement, to close the lids with 
sutures, first placing a portion of wet lint over the 
eyeball. The sutures should remain for forty-eight 
hours, and when removed warm milk and water 
fomentations be applied. Any subsequent opacity 
of the cornea may generally be dispersed with the 
occasional application of a little dry oxide of zinc. 

Should the eyeball be completely torn from its 
attachments, immediate excision of the organ is 
indicated, after which a pledget of cotton -wool, 
steeped in iron or other astringent, should be packed 
in the optic cavity, the lids closed with sutures, and 
a cold wet compress and bandage applied. The 
sutures and packing may be removed on the second 
day, and the cavity afterwards treated antiseptically. 
A dark room is advisable until the inflammatory 
action has abated. 

Needless to say the above operations are essentially 
a veterinarian's or surgeon's. 

Hydrophthalmia. 

Hydrophthalmia, meaning dropsy of the eye, 
arising from an abnormal accumulation of fluid in 



54 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

the anterior or posterior chamber of the eye, or 
both combined, is a condition I have several times 
met with in ophthalmic practice, and an affection to 
which I was the first to draw veterinary attention 
in 1884. One or both eyes may be affected ; but, 
unless congenital, it is usually confined to one, and 
generally as the result of injury, especially concus- 
sion from a violent blow. 

Symptoms. — Abnormal protrusion and enlargement 
of the eyeball (as though it were about to burst), 
which is usually tense, hard, and cloudy. The pupil 
is motionless, and the eye has a peculiar fixed stare. 
Total blindness is a common sequel where treatment 
is not adopted. 

Treatment. — This consists in tapping through the 
sclerotica immediately behind the outer margin of 
the cornea with a fine lancet-pointed surgical needle, 
followed by pad pressure. In this operation I have 
sometimes evacuated more than a drachm of amber- 
coloured fluid. Secondary tapping in the course of 
a few days is generally required. Subsequently a 
drop of weak solution of iodine may be placed daily 
on the eyeball, or a little oxide of zinc, both being 
useful in removing opacity. 

In persistent cases painting round the orbit and 
underneath the eye with iodine, the administration 
of iodide of potassium, and the application of atropine, 
are sometimes beneficial. 

As in the preceding subjects, the case is one for 
a professional man to deal with. 



CHAPTER VIII 

FUNCTIONS OF THE GENERATIVE 
ORGANS 

CESTRUM AND BREEDING — PARTURITION — ABORTION. 

The female cat is usually in oestrum from three to 
four times during the year, though this depends upon 
age and other circumstances. The average period 
of pregnancy is eight weeks. After parturition the 
lochial discharge has been frequently observed in 
this animal for several days. The detection of preg- 
nancy after the middle period is not difficult by 
careful manipulation when the animal is placed upon 
its back ; then ovoid substances on either side, ac- 
cording to the number of foetuses, can be felt. My 
advice is to leave a cat absolutely alone during its 
travail ; its own instincts will suffice to do, under 
favourable circumstances, all that is necessary. It 
is only when after protracted suffering in prolonged 
labour, and evident inability to give birth to its 
young, that assistance should be rendered, and in 
such cases I have been instrumental in saving the 
life of a valuable mother and offspring; but never 
will I undertake delivery, especially with instruments, 
until I am fully satisfied the approaching parent is 



56 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

unable by her own exertions to parturiate.* Then, 
beyond a little stimulant (brandy and milk), the 
mother and family should be left quietly and com- 
fortably alone, with a saucer of milk within reach. 
The cat is a wonderful mother, and generally capable 
of fulfilling all the attributes of one — add to which 
she is extremely patient and forbearing, as perhaps 
no household animal pet with newly-born progeny 
is so much interfered with, especially if children are 
about, when the kittens are constantly removed to 
be shown, nursed, or carried about. Nevertheless 
it is well to remember that a powerful instinctive 
desire is present in all animals, especially Carnivora, 
to protect their young and remain with them, and 
therefore the less they are disturbed or meddled with 
the better. 

Abortion. 

Cats very seldom abort, unless as the result of 
serious injuries, such as abdominal crushing or 
mauling. The period at which abortion may take 
place varies ; it may follow within forty-eight hours 
after the injury, or not until within a week or ten 
days from the date of parturition. Little or no 
notice is taken of the prematurely expelled offspring, 
and in the cat, unless some severe uterine injury has 

■^ In a case I was recently asked to attend by a medical man, 
when the patient had been in prolonged painful labour and was 
in a state of collapse and given up as hopeless, I found a cross- 
presentation. After a little patience, I was fortunately able to 
deliver the kitten (though dead) by a special instrument that 
has rendered me many friendly services in feline obstetrics. 
Three normal births subsequently took place, and both mother 
and offspring did well. 



FUNCTIONS OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS 57 

occurred, rarely any after-trouble follows. Still, it is 
advisable to syringe antiseptically and prohibit breed- 
ing until one or two periods of oestrum have passed. 
Should loss of appetite and emaciation follow, mineral 
tonics and cod-liver-oil may be given, and small 
portions of raw lean meat or raw-meat juice. 

Under all circumstances of abortion it is advisable 
to completely isolate the subject from pregnant com- 
panions, and place it in suitable confinement until 
restored to normal condition. Suitably constructed, 
convenient, and easily portable boxes can be obtained 
from Messrs. Frazer and Co., Norwich, who manu- 
facture most excellently arranged appliances of all 
descriptions for canine and feline habitation. 



CHAPTER IX 

DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH PARTURI- 
TION 

PUERPERAL FITS AND MANIA — MILK FEVER — 
AGALACTIA — METRITIS. 

Puerperal Fits and Mania, 

Occasionally, as in the bitch, these occur soon 
after parturition, probably due to some abnormal 
condition of the nervous system arising from septic 
influence. The cases which have come under my 
notice have occurred in young cats after their first 
parturition. 

Symptoms. — Unusual restlessness is manifested, 
associated with either entire suspension of milk or 
a very scanty secretion. The animal has a wild, 
unnatural expression, similar to that observed on 
recovering from an epileptic seizure. The least 
noise creates alarm, and handling the subject in- 
creases its excitement. The offspring are either 
ignored, mangled, or devoured. Suddenly the animal 
becomes rigid and falls over flat on its side. The 
fit quickly passes off if no interference takes place, 
but recurs if any alarm is occasioned. The pulse is 
rapid, the tongue purplish and furred, and the skin 



DISEASES OF PARTURITION 59 

unusually hot. The bowels may be torpid, but more 
frequently the opposite, with constant evacuations. 

Treatment. — Removal of kittens. Administration 
of 5-grain doses of bromide of potassium, subcutaneous 
injection of morphia, and in severe cases 5 to 10 grains 
of chloral hydrate. 

Diet. — When able to take it without excitement, 
brandy and milk and raw-meat juice. If constipated, 
enemas. 

Milk Fever. 

This disease is not common in cats, a fact probably 
arising from protracted labour and the haemorrhage 
following each birth. The pathology of the disease 
is much the same as in other animals. 

Causes. — Excessive plethora and obesity at the 
time of parturition, the sudden removal of offspring, 
cold or extreme heat. 

Symptoms. — Staggering gait, contracted pupils, 
quick full pulse, hot nose, and extreme thirst, are the 
early symptoms, followed by entire suppression of 
milk, constipation, coma, tympany, delirium, and 
death. 

Treatment. — Early bleeding, counter-irritation at 
the back of the head and along the spine, stimulants 
and aperients. The head should be kept in an elevated 
position, the milk repeatedly withdrawn, if possible 
by natural means, or otherwise by artificial aid ; for 
this purpose I have used the ordinary human-breast 
exhauster. The bowels should be relieved by enemas. 
If the animal is comatose no attempt should be made 
to pour anything down its throat, or asphyxia will be 
the result. 



6o DISEASES OF THE CAT 

Agalactia. 

Agalactia — i.e., loss of milk — is not unfrequently 
met with in cats, but is more general in aged ones 
and those which have not bred for some time. 
Several causes may operate in the non-secretion of 
milk, notably defective development of the mammary 
glands, acute or chronic disease of the same, general 
debility, sudden chills after parturition, especially if 
the animal is plethoric. In such a case the glands 
are abnormally soft and small, and upon drawing 
the teats a thin, yellowish, scanty fluid is emitted, 
followed sometimes by a little white watery matter. 
The nipples are usually pallid and contracted. 

Treatment. — This should be directed to the nourish- 
ment of the creature, and the encouragement of milk 
by frequently drawing the nipples. A breast-exhauster 
is useful for this purpose, and where possible I have 
sometimes found a kitten a week or ten days old 
still better. In cases of debility or anaemia, cod- 
liver-oil and good rabbit or mutton broth should be 
given, also raw-meat juice and brandy. Of course, 
in defective glandular development or mammary 
disease it is useless labour to attempt to encourage 
the secretion of milk, and if the progeny are of 
sufficient value a foster-mother should be obtained. 

Metritis. 

Inflammation of the womb seldom occurs in the 
cat after normal parturition, but is usually asso- 
ciated with prolonged labour of great difficulty, and 
especially when the unborn young are dead and 
putrefaction has commenced. Uterine injuries from 
external violence and rough obstetricism may also 
give rise to metritis. 



DISEASES OF PARTURITION 6l 

Symptoms, — Manipulation or pressure in the uterine 
region is attended with considerable pain; the ab- 
domen is distended beyond the limit of pregnancy, 
and very hot and tense. The animal is reluctant to 
lie down, and frequently urinates. The vulva is 
tumefied, and a foetid purulent discharge sooner or 
later issues from the vagina. Necessarily there is 
considerable febrile disturbance, and the secretion of 
milk is entirely suspended. Ulceration or gangrene 
may terminate the case. 

Treatment. — Presuming the young are removed 
from the parent, the uterus should be gently syringed 
with a tepid solution of permanganate of potash or 
chinosol. Local fomentations or linseed poultices 
to the abdomen, and hot hip-baths, are also service- 
able. A grain of opium with a teaspoonful of brandy 
in a dessertspoonful of warm milk affords relief in 
prostration and pain. A warm infusion of poppy- 
heads may also be injected into the uterus, but it 
must be done gently, and great care exercised when 
inserting the vaginal tube through the mouth of the 
inflamed organ ; in the absence of professional aid, 
it is better to be content with vaginal injections. 
The bowels should be gently moved with equal parts 
of castor and salad oil. A soft, comfortable, and 
antiseptic bed is most essential. A cushion stuffed 
with Petanelle Deodorant Wool is the best article 
to use (see Disinfection). Lying on hard, bare, or 
cold floors is extremely dangerous. Liquid, nourish- 
ing, and mucilaginous food should be given, and cold 
water or milk to lap. During convalescence, iodide 
of potassium, iron, cod-liver-oil, and quinine are 
serviceable. Breeding should be prohibited for a 
time after an attack of metritis. 



CHAPTER X 
DISEASES OF THE MAMMARY GLANDS 

MAMMITIS — LACTEAL TUMOURS — CANCER. 

Mammitis. 

Inflammation of the milk glands is not of so frequent 
occurrence in the cat as it is in the bitch. I have, 
however, had some very severe cases to deal with. It 
may precede, accompany, or follow lactation. 

Causes. — External injury, especially blows, reten- 
tion of milk, exposure to damp and cold, irritation of 
wounded nipple, etc. 

Symptoms. — The affected gland is enlarged, red, 
hot, and extremely sensitive to the touch ; the lacteal 
secretion becomes changed in character, being curdled, 
and subsequently mixed with blood or pus. Con- 
siderable febrile disturbance is present, especially if 
more than one gland be affected, and the poor 
animal has frequent shiverings, and usually lies 
stretched out on its side. Naturally there is an 
increase of temperature and pulse. 

Treatment. — In the early stage, when there is con- 
siderable congestion of the mammary vessels, I have 
found leeches serviceable. The cat must be carefully 
held during their application, which creates some 




"UNCAS," BLACK AND WHITE PERSIAN. 

Property of 
Miss A. L. Pollard, Omar Cattery, Elizabeth, N. J. 



DISEASES OF THE MAMMARY GLANDS 63 

little alarm at first, but soon gives relief. Hot 
sedative fomentations should also be employed, and 
linseed poultices when suppuration has commenced. 
Extract of belladonna and vaseline rubbed frequently 
and gently on the gland relieves congestion, milk 
secretion and pain, but care must be taken that the 
animal does not lick it. When matter has formed 
and is approaching the surface, it should be evacuated 
with the lance, and the part subsequently treated as 
for abscess. The diet should be light, unstimulating, 
and nutritious, and the patient be supplied with a 
soft bed. 

Chronic mammitis often follows the acute form, 
and is denoted by an enlarged, indurated, and knotty 
or lumpy condition of the gland. This form is 
attended with but little pain or constitutional dis- 
turbance, and usually, if not interfered with, becomes 
a permanent induration. It is, however, often 
aggravated after another parturition, and may assume 
a cancerous type, necessitating the entire removal of 
the gland. 

Treatment. — Locally, the daily application of iodine 
ointment or liniment, friction, and, when large and 
weighty, suspension with a handkerchief or net 
fastened over the back, but in the latter case I 
prefer removal of the gland. 

Medicinally, iodide of potassium daily in 5-grain 
doses is beneficial. 

Lacteal Tumours. 

These usually follow prolonged retention of milk, 
especially when the kittens, after being with the 
mother a few days, are removed; the milk, which 



64 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

has been daily increasing in quantity, becomes in- 
spissated, and gives rise to an enlarged, hot, fluc- 
tuating condition of the mammary gland, which 
subsequently becomes irregular and knotty. Not- 
withstanding opinions to the contrary, an over- 
strained mammary gland in a nursing animal produces 
great distress and pain. What is more painful to a 
nursing woman than protracted inexhaustion of the 
breast ? 

Animals have similar sensations without doubt, 
and therefore it is our duty, if we rob a cat of her 
progeny, to see that maternal suffering should not 
be increased by neglecting the simple humane office 
of withdrawing the milk provided for the lost family. 
This should be done by natural means when possible ; 
otherwise a human -breast exhauster may be used 
and the glands gently rubbed with camphorated oil. 

With lacteal tumours, if they are fluctuating, and 
no issue can be obtained through the nipple, they 
can be punctured, and if indurated and of long 
existence, excision may be had recourse to ; but 
unless they have been injured by blows or other 
violence, and inflammatory action has arisen, I do 
not, in the cat, consider the latter operation neces- 
sary, and simply advise painting with iodine. 

After the occurrence of lacteal tumours, especially 
when indurated, breeding should be prohibited ; 
otherwise it either means procuring a foster-mother 
or destroying the offspring. 

Cancer. 

A few cases of typical scirrhous mammary cancer 
have come under my notice in aged breeding cats, 



DISEASES OF THE MAMMARY GLANDS 65 

the affected gland presenting a knotty, irregular, 
bluish glazed surface, from which issued, when rup- 
tured, a sanious foetid discharge ; excavating ulcera- 
tion and sinuses were also present, with various 
cysts. The nipple was deeply retracted. 

In each case complete excision of the gland was 
adopted, the parts aseptically treated, and good 
recoveries followed without recurrent attacks. 

I have known the disease to recur in bitches after 
a period of three years from the date of removal, and 
involve other glands and internal organs (in one case 
four recurrent attacks took place, extending over a 
period of five years from the onset) ; but in the cat 
no such instance has come before me, though prob- 
ably isolated cases may have occurred. 



CHAPTER XI 
DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 

RABIES — EPILEPSY — APOPLEXY — NOSTOMANIA 
— PARALYSIS. 

Rabies. 

Fortunately, this great source of dread in the 
canine world is not, so far as my experience has 
gone, of common occurrence in the cat. During 
active professional work extending over thirty years, 
and embracing extensive feline practice, I cannot 
call to mind a single case of rabies in the cat. I 
therefore reproduce from Fleming's work on ' Rabies 
and Hydrophobia ' the symptoms given by that 
authority : 

' The cat, like the dog, is our lifelong companion, 
and lives on terms of the closest intimacy with us in 
our dwellings. It is also liable to contract rabies 
either spontaneously [? W. H.] or by inoculation, 
though, happily, it is rarely affected, for a rabid 
cat is even more terrible and dangerous than the 
dog. In fact, when the cat becomes mad, its tiger- 
like nature is thoroughly awakened, and its bites are 
more death-dealing than those of the dog.* 

■^ ' In Algeria, Dr. David, of Lestrade, saw a dog dying of 
rabies transmit the disease to a cat by biting it. This cat, in 



DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 67 

* The furious symptoms are preceded by precursory 
signs which are not to be overlooked if we wish to 
guard against serious accidents, though they are not 
so easily and exactly observed as in the dog, because 
of the different habits and disposition of the animal. 
At the commencement it evinces alteration of the 
appetite, a gloomy dulness, objectless agitation and 
restlessness, which is all the more striking as this 
creature is in its nature somewhat inclined to sleep, 
and passes the greater part of its life in repose. 

* Frequently the appetite is depraved, and there s 
thirst, with a strong tendency to bite, which is 
somewhat unusual, as the cat in a domesticated 
condition is much more disposed to use its claws 
than its teeth. There is, then, reason to be sus- 
picious when an animal of this species, contrary to 
its ordinary habits, becomes all at once restless, 
offers to attack people without being provoked, moves 
about evidently without cause, has a tendency to 
keep aloof, refuses to eat or drink for several days, 

its turn, bit two persons, who succumbed a short time afterwards 
to hydrophobia. Cats are not unfrequently affected with rabies 
in that country. Roucher mentions four instances, three of 
which had been caused by bites. One died ; another was killed 
after attacking a man, who subsequently perished from hydro- 
phobia ; the fate of the third was not known. The fourth 
instance was that of a cat at Orleansville, which communicated 
the disease, apparently without having been bitten itself After 
an absence of several days it returned home, and wounded the 
woman who owned it ; the latter was soon affected with hydro- 
phobia and died. The animal then disappeared, and in a few 
days after two dead cats were found in a street of the town in 
the colony where it had taken refuge. No case of hydrophobia 
was reported from this town.' — DUSSOURT. 

5—^ 



68 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

or has a depraved taste and great thirst, and ex- 
presses by its attitudes and its physiognomy that 
there is something unusual affecting it. In such 
circumstances it is not too soon to take precautions, 
and to become master of the creature by a close and 
sure sequestration. 

' When the furious symptoms of rabies appear in 
the cat, its great eyes sparkle with an unnatural 
light and express a startling degree of ferocity. 
There is nothing more terrible than to see a mad 
cat in a cage, says Bouley ; the mouth is partly 
open and foamy, the back arched, and the tail beat- 
ing its flanks ; its claws are so rigidly protruded as 
to cause it to walk with difficulty, and they pene- 
trate the floor, leaving their imprint there. When 
anyone presents himself before it, it flies towards 
him at a single bound as high as the cage will 
permit, as if to attack the person's face, for this 
always appears to be the part of the body for which 
the mad creature has a special predilection when it 
is at liberty. 

* The rabid cat no longer knows its owner. Tamed 
rather than thoroughly domesticated, it in this con- 
dition reassumes all its ferocious instincts, and freely 
abandons itself to them. In this, as in so many 
other respects, the cat differs widely from the dog. 
The latter is intensely devoted to its master, and 
finds in its affection for him a power sufficiently 
strong to dominate for a comparatively long time 
the fierce desires that rabies fatally develops in it ; 
rather than obey them, it will fly from its home 
when it can, and vent its involuntary rage on any- 
one rather than those it loves. The cat will also 



DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 69 

leave the domestic roof when rabid, though rather 
through the influence of its savage nature than its 
devotion to its human companions, and will retire 
to some obscure loft, cave, or out-of-the-way place 
to die. It often wanders far from home. The 
claws are at times more frequently brought into use 
than the teeth, though both are unsparingly employed 
when the animal is in one of its paroxysms. As 
with the dog, the cat soon becomes haggard-looking 
and emaciated ; the voice becomes changed, and 
assumes a special character — hoarse, sinister, and 
so disagreeable that it is not unlike the sounds 
emitted in the midnight serenades of this creature, 
though the muscles concerned in swallowing are not 
so much involved as in the dog. Paralysis is not 
long in appearing, and death puts an end to this 
miserable condition in from tw^o to four days.' 

Fits, Epilepsy and Apoplexy. 

These in the cat (apart from puerperal seizures) 
are usually epileptic, and very frequently the result 
of gastric irritation from the presence of worms. I 
have known instances of cats becoming suddenly 
crazed with excitement and jumping through a 
window, or madly racing up and down stairs, due to 
the cause named. 

Thestatement made by another writer, that a she-cat 
never has a fit after having once littered, is erroneous. 
Kittening will no more remove the parasitic cause of 
fits than water will quench a paraffin flame. 

If the great nervous excitability mentioned is not 
speedily abated, the creature suddenly becomes un- 



70 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

conscious and convulsed, and upon recovering sensi- 
bility frequently repeats its frantic movements, or 
hides in some secluded spot, bloodshot - eyed and 
panting. 

Treatment. — The same writer, who advises slitting 
the ears, and gives the result of a few drops of blood 
as sufficient, would be acting more in accordance 
with his advice to ' be gentle and quiet with the 
poor animal ' if he ignored the ear-slitting and took 
measures for the expulsion of the irritating guest 
giving rise to the attack. 

An emetic is first indicated, and subsequently a 
vermifuge (see Worms). This may be followed, if 
nervous excitability continues, with 3 to 6 grains of 
bromide of potassium in a teaspoonful of water, 
repeated every three or four hours, and a little warm 
milk given to lap. 

Apoplexy, 

except in exceedingly plethoric and obese cats, is 
most rare, and then only when the animal is unduly 
or violently excited or long constipated. The 
symptoms are, sudden insensibility, heavy snoring 
respiration, slow, intermittent pulse, fixed, staring, 
bloodshot eyes with widely dilated pupils. The 
teeth are tightly clenched, with frequently oozing 
of frothy saliva from the corners of the mouth and 
nostrils. 

Treatment. — Bleeding affords the speediest relief; 
this can be done by clipping the fur off two or three 
places at the back of the head and applying leeches, 
first pricking the skin. Ammonia should be applied 
to the nostrils, and a little brandy or whisky rubbed 



DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 71 

on the gums and down the spine. When sensibility 
returns, it is advisable to give a smart aperient and 
keep on low diet. 

Nostomania. 

Cats, like dogs, suffer from ' home sickness.' It 
has been observed that the former attach themselves 
more to the house than the individual ; be that as it 
may, it is surprising how speedily they find their 
way back after removal to even many miles distant. 
I recollect as a boy six warehouse cats being taken 
at night in a sack by cart and turned out on a 
common five miles away, and, to the astonishment 
of the man, they were all at home again the following 
morning; and instances of returning from much 
greater distances have been recorded. 

But although some cats remain contentedly in 
their new abode, and especially with kind friends, 
there are instances where they have become melan- 
cholic, refused food, pined, and wasted away. 

It is not humane to place a tenderly nurtured cat 
of highly nervous sensibility with a number of 
strange animals in a new home, or especially a sick 
hospital, surrounded by other caged quadrupeds. 
However kind the next owner or attendant may 
be, the new and unpalatable surroundings and the 
familiar voices missed have much to do with the 
development of nostomania. 

As with dogs, so there are cats and cats, and a pet 
one enjoys a peculiar distinction in the feline world, 
being usually under the protection and kind care of 
an affectionate and devoted mistress. A cage to a 
drawing-room cat is on a par with a cell to a human 
being under analogous conditions. In short, a 



72 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

caressed pet cat invites caressing, and the hitherto 
usual home life of the animal, its disposition and 
peculiarities, should be studied by its new owner. 

Paralysis. 

This may arise from injury to the brain or spinal 
cord, or result from old age and general debility, and 
it may also occur from poisons, notably lead and 
mercury. Paralysis is also associated with epilepsy, 
distemper, prolonged constipation, and distension of 
the bladder. 

Symptoms. — Loss of locomotive power, weakness, 
and muscular twitchings, are amongst the early 
indications of paralysis. In aged cats there is a 
gradual wasting of the muscles, with involuntary 
evacuation and micturition. In sudden attacks 
there is immediate loss of muscular power in the 
affected region. In spinal paralysis the hind-quarters 
are affected ; the animal is unable to stand upright, 
and trails the hind-limbs after it when made to move. 
The tail is also powerless. 

In paralysis arising from lead-poisoning, the limbs 
and joints are affected, the gums become blue, the 
breath is offensive, and severe colicky pains occur, 
with black evacuations. 

In mercurial paralysis salivation takes place, 
mastication is performed with difficulty, the gums 
are sore, the teeth dark brownish-yellow or black, 
and emaciation quickly follows. Convulsive muscular 
movements are also noticeable. 

Lumbar paralysis is the most common form seen 
in the cat, and generally the result of spinal injury, 
arising from severe external violence. 



DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 73 

Treatment. — Restoration of nerve power is the 
object to be attained, and it is therefore necessary 
to select those agents which are of value in this 
direction. Strychnia, nux vomica, bromide of 
potassium, iron salts, cod-liver-oil, and quinine, are 
amongst those usually had recourse to. Strychnia 
and nux vomica require special care in prescribing 
and administering. The former has to be given in 
such delicately minute doses, and the cat is so sus- 
ceptible to its action, that it is much safer to trust 
to the liquor strychnia, or, better still, nux vomica. 
The dose of the latter for an adult cat is J to i grain, 
which may be combined with 5 grains of sulphate of 
iron, and given in pill form twice daily an hour after 
feeding. Easton's syrup, which contains strychnine, 
is a useful formula in such cases ; dose, 20 minims in 
a dessertspoonful of water after morning and evening 
meal. In protracted cases the dose may be gradually 
increased to 60 rhinims, but it is most necessary the 
intervals of administration should be regular, and 
the preliminary meal never omitted. It is advisable 
also, in leaving the medicine off, to gradually, and 
not suddenly, suspend it. Locally, especially in 
lumbar paratysis, friction, counter - irritation, and 
galvanism may be employed with advantage, hut 
on no account should neat turpentine be used. Good 
nourishing, easily digestible diet should be allowed. 
If constipation is present (frequently the case in 
spinal paralysis) enemas should be used. Under 
the above treatment, a patient paralyzed for eighteen 
weeks made a complete recovery — as I assured the 
owner it would do — though several times it was on 
the point of being destroyed. 



74 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

One point necessary to be observed in paralysis, 
when the patient is completely helpless, is to fre- 
quently change the position to avoid sores arising, 
as they often do from lying in the involuntary 
escape of urine. In these cases Petanelle wool for 
bedding, or a cushion made therefrom, is of great 
value. (See Disinfection.) 

In confirmed and chronic paralysis complete 
recovery is rarely witnessed, some lingering effect, 
as twitching or tremor of a part, being observable 
throughout the animal's life. In such cases exposure 
to cold and damp should be avoided. 

Cases of lead paralysis should be treated with 
iodide of potassium in 5 -grain doses, or dilute 
sulphuric acid, 5 minims in a little water, and sulphur 
baths. 

Mercurial paralysis is also treated with iodide of 
potassium, white of eggs, cod-liver-oil, and sulphur 
baths. 




SMOKE NEUTER 'CHILI.' 

The Property of Miss Kirkpatrick. 

(From a photograph by E. Landor, EaUng.) 



CHAPTER XII 
GENERAL DISEASES 

DISTEMPER — JAUNDICE — HEPATITIS — DROPSY — 
RHEUMATISM — CRAMP — CYSTITIS — NEPHRITIS — 
ANAEMIA — DIPHTHERIA — SALIVATION. 

Distemper. 

Unfortunately, this dire disease of our canine 
friends prevails with the fehne race, and what has 
been accounted ' mahgnant influenza,' with its 
erroneously alleged communication to the human 
subject, has merely been the disease in question. 

Symptoms. — These in the cat are practically 
analogous to those observed in the dog. There is 
a heavy, dull appearance of countenance, especially 
about the eyes. The animal has frequent shivering 
fits, with sneezing, coughing, retching, and vomiting. 
The nose is hot and dry, the eyes and nose have 
a watery discharge, which subsequently becomes 
purulent. The breathing is hurried and snuffly. A 
sickly, offensive odour, even more pronounced than 
in the dog, is emitted from the body. Beyond, how- 
ever, lung complications, with sometimes jaundice 
and enteric disturbance, there seldom exists cerebral 



76 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

associations. A cat with neglected distemper most 
frequently succumbs to pneumonia. 

Treatment. — The patient should be kept warm and 
dry. All discharges from the eyes and nose should 
be frequently removed with a soft sponge wetted 
with a solution of chinosol or permanganate of potash- 
Nourishing food (beef- tea, milk, eggs, shredded 
raw meat), should be allowed, or, if necessary, 
administered. Medicinally, stimulants and tonics 
are advisable, as small doses of brandy and milk 
and Parish's Chemical Food ; during convalescence 
cod-liver-oil and quinine. Fish is always a dainty 
and appetizing diet for cats. As a preventive of 
distemper, I am of opinion that inoculation on the 
system I adopt in canine practice is a safeguard. 

Jaundice. 

This disease, which is commonly known as the 
* yellows,' may exist alone or be associated with 
distemper, but it occurs more frequently apart from 
the latter in cats. It has been stated to be more 
common in males than females, but either are liable 
to an attack. Jaundice is produced by an accumula- 
tion of bile in the blood, due to suppression of the 
biliary functions, or it may arise from the reabsorp- 
tion of bile caused by derangement of the hepatic 
circulation, or, again, from obstruction to the passage 
of bile into the intestine. Pregnant cats sometimes, 
like bitches, have an attack of jaundice through 
uterine pressure, which generally disappears after 
birth is complete. 

Symptoms. — The skin throughout is yellow, which 
is especially noticeable inside the thighs, armpits, 



GENERAL DISEASES 77 

and ears, and in advanced cases is stationary when 
gathered up with the hand. The visible mucous 
membranes are similarly stained, the white of the 
Sye, gums, and inner surface of the lips being par- 
ticularly so. The tongue also is yellowish and 
furred, and the breath offensive. Yellow or greenish 
vomit usually occurs. The animal is Hstless, and 
has little or no appetite. Evacuations may be dry 
and of a pale clay colour, or relaxed, greenish-black, 
and highly offensive, usually the latter. The urine 
is generally of a dirty-brown hue. Sometimes en- 
largement in the hepatic region is present (notably if 
the liver is greatly congested), and pain is evinced 
on pressure. Convulsions and coma usually precede 
death. 

Treatment. — To an adult cat give i grain of aloin, 
with 5 grains of rhubarb, and the following day half 
a teaspoonful of sulphate of magnesia, which may be 
repeated in six hours, and the following day, if no im- 
provement, repeat again with lo grains of taraxacum. 
Should there be hepatic enlargement, with tender- 
ness, the application of linseed and mustard poultices 
is advisable. The diet should be restricted to milk 
with a third of lime-water, spooned frequently down 
if refused. When there is much weakness, I advise 
to be given twice daily i grain of quinine with 
2 minims of nitro-hydrochloric acid in a dessert- 
spoonful of water ; and if bilious diarrhoea is present 
mucilaginous food should be given, and medicinally 
10 minims of chlorodyne or i grain of opium. 

A cat with jaundice must not be exposed to 
damp or cold, neither should the temperature be 
too high. 



78 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

Hepatitis. 

Inflammation of the liver sometimes arises from 
an extreme condition of plethora, and overfeeding 
with rich and stimulating food. It is also excited 
by intense heat, and may occur from external 
violence in the hepatic region, notably a blow or 
kick on the side, or from being crushed in a doorway 
or otherwise. The indiscriminate use of calomel, 
aloes, and arsenic has likewise been known to pro- 
duce hepatitis. 

Symptoms. — Enlargement of the liver is frequently 
present when the organ is acutely inflamed, and pain 
is manifested on pressure over it. As the inflamma- 
tory action proceeds, the skin and visible mucous 
membranes assume a dirty-white or yellowish cast, 
the gums a leaden colour, with an elevated, deep-red 
line just above the teeth. The evacuations are pale, 
whitish, or clay-coloured, and vary in consistency. 
The urine is scanty and high-coloured, frequently 
turbid or cloudy, in some instances like cofl'ee. 
Cough and vomiting are usually present, the latter 
being often mixed with bile, or sediment like coffee 
grounds. The inspirations in breathing are unusually 
deep. The tongue is coated with brown fur, and the 
breath foetid. Drowsiness is a general accompani- 
ment of hepatitis, and the animal exhibits no desire 
to cleanse itself or move about. Rapid emaciation 
takes place, often showing the outline of the tumefied 
liver. Acute inflammation of the organ, if not 
removed, may terminate in abscess or chronic 
hepatitis. 

Treatment. — Hot linseed or mustard poultices 
should be applied over the region of the hver. In 



GENERAL DISEASES 79 

severe cases the fur may be clipped off, and a mustard 
leaf applied, or iodine liniment, the latter to be 
repeated for three or four consecutive days. 

Medicinally, a small dose of calomel and aloin — 
J grain of the former and 5 grains of the latter — 
may be given at the onset of the attack, followed in 
a few hours with a teaspoonful of castor-oil, and 
subsequently sulphate of magnesia in J drachm doses, 
repeated for three or four days. 

If dysentery occurs, |- to i grain of opium may be 
given, and, should it persist, starch and opiate enemas. 
The diet should be restricted to milk, with a third of 
lime-water. Stimulants are not admissible ; but if 
there is much prostration, a little beef-tea (free from 
fat), raw-meat juice, mutton or rabbit broth, may 
be given in small quantities, and if rejected by the 
stomach, nutrient enemas should be employed. 
Kreochyle in teaspoonful doses is usually retained 
when other agents fail. 

Chronic hepatitis is attended with either enlarge- 
ment or contraction of the liver — usually the former 
— the organ being hardened, and more or less in- 
sensible to pain on pressure. The animal has an 
habitual jaundiced appearance, is languid, dejected, 
and subject to attacks of dyspepsia. 

Treatment. — Painting over the hepatic region with 
iodine liniment, and the administration of iodide of 
potassium daily in 3 grain doses for some time, are 
the most useful measures to pursue. Once or twice 
a week J grain of calomel, with 5 grains each of 
rhubarb and aloin, may be administered with benefit. 
The diet should be plain, unstimulating, and the 



8o DISEASES OF THE CAT 

bowels properly regulated. Chronic hepatitis fre- 
quently, through its interference with the portal 
circulation, often terminates in ascites, especially in 
old cats (see Dropsy). 

Dropsy. 

Aged cats with constitutional disease, and espe- 
cially with chronic liver and renal affections, are 
liable to the form of dropsy known as ascites, or 
abdominal dropsy. 

Symptoms. — A uniform and symmetrical enlarge- 
ment of the abdomen. If the animal is placed on 
its back, an undulating motion may be perceived on 
pressing the abdominal walls from side to side. The 
effusion can also readily be detected by auscultation. 
Dropsical cats have an anaemic appearance of the 
mucous membranes, especially the gums, which are 
of a bluish-white hue. There is a scanty secretion 
of urine, intense thirst, laboured breathing, which is 
increased as the fluid accumulates. A standing, 
sitting, or lateral recumbent position is adopted. 
Suffocation usually terminates the case, which usually 
in the latter stage is associated with anasarca — 
i.e., infiltration of fluid into the connective tissues — 
when the limbs become swollen and the whole skin 
more or less puffy. 

Treatment. — The patient requires highly nourishing 
food, and especially mineral tonics and cod-liver-oil. 
Diuretics are of great service, notably infusion of 
broom {Scoparii cacumina), which may be given in 
10 to 15 minim doses with half a teaspoonful of gin 
in a dessertspoonful of water twice daily ; or oil of 
juniper, 3 to 5 minims, in a teaspoonful of salad-oil 



GENERAL DISEASES 8i 

twice daily; or nitrate of pilocarpine, J grain, may 
be used hypodermically every other day. But I 
consider the first-named the most useful diuretic in 
feline dropsy. Iodide of potassium in 5-grain doses, 
continued for some time, has been found useful, 
especially alter tapping. 

Tapping in extreme cases may be resorted to ; but 
the operation has usually to be repeated twice or 
thrice, and then is not always successful, though I 
have had cases which have made complete recoveries. 
Where the accumulation is very great, it is not wise 
to remove the entire fluid at once, the shock to the 
system being so great that death may occur from 
collapse. After tapping, a roller bandage should be 
firmly applied, and a stimulant administered — a tea- 
spoonful of brandy in a tablespoonful of warm milk, 
strong beef-tea, or a beaten egg. The patient should 
be kept quiet, and provided with a comfortable, soft 
bed. 

Rheumatism. 

Many aged cats, chiefly males, have come under 
my notice suffering from rheumatism, usually the 
result of exposure to damp and cold, and generally 
of a muscular nature, affecting the shoulders or hind- 
quarters, and sometimes the joints. 

Symptoms. — In acute rheumatism the pain is severe, 
the gait hobbly and stiff, the affected joints hot and 
painful. The disease frequently moves from one part 
to another. More or less febrile disturbance is present ; 
the urine is scanty, high-coloured, and cloudy; 
and constipation is generally present. In muscular 
attacks confined to the shoulders, stiffness and pain 

6 



82 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

are manifested, especially if the fore-limbs are ex- 
tended outwardly. Jumping down from any eleva- 
tion causes acute pain, and the animal generally lies 
motionless after the effort. When rheumatism affects 
the loins (lumbago), the back is arched; the animal 
has a dragging, paralytic gait ; there* is extreme 
tenderness over the lumbar region, with disinclination 
to move, and sharp, painful mewing on manipulation. 
The bowels and urine are in a similar condition to 
that already named. 

Chronic rheumatism is not so liable to move its 
locality, and is less painful than the acute form, but 
is aggravated by atmospherical changes, and often 
then assumes an acute type. When confined to the 
joints, they are enlarged, hot, and knotty. 

Treatment. — Complete rest and warmth are neces- 
sary in the treatment of rheumatism. Medicinally, 
alkalines are required. Salicylate of soda, salicylic 
acid, or salicine, are useful agents ; in fact, the 
salicylate treatment is considered as almost a specific 
for acute rheumatism in human beings. For cats 
the dose of either is 3 to 10 grains, given with 
mucilage or glycerine every three or four hours ; in 
the muscular form of rheumatism salicine may be 
injected into the affected muscles with benefit. The 
bowels should be unloaded by saline aperients. 
Locally, hot soda-water fomentations, and friction 
with stimulating liniment or neat whisky, afford 
relief; iodine liniment to affected joints. 

In chronic rheumatism the salicylate treatment is 
also advantageous, and iodide of potassium is useful. 
Locally, the same measures advised above should be 
adopted. Belladonna liniment is palliative, but care 



GENERAL DISEASES 83 

must be taken that the patient does not lick the part 
after being rubbed. 

The diet should be chiefly milk and lime-water, 
and other nourishment of a light and unstimulating 
nature. When the acute symptoms have subsided, 
cod-liver-oil and quinine are serviceable. 

Cramp. 

Cats confined for long periods in small baskets 
or boxes, and exposed to cold when travelling, may 
become cramped; but, beyond smart friction, warmth, 
and exercise, little is required. When due to im- 
mersion in cold water, or exposure to intense cold, 
warmth gradually applied and friction, with the 
administration of a little stimulant, as warm Bovril 
or brandy and milk, are advisable measures. Bromide 
of potassium will relieve acute spasmodic muscular 
contraction, and may be given in 5 to 10 grain doses. 

Cystitis. 

Cases of inflamed bladder have occurred in the 
cat through the injudicious administration of turpen- 
tine as a vermifuge ; but more frequently they have 
come under my notice as the result of external 
violence, or compression on a distended bladder, and 
obstruction to its evacuation. At the present moment 
I have a post-mortem specimen before me of a young 
neuter cat. The bladder is intensely inflamed, and 
enormously distended with urine. The animal is 
abnormally fat, the bladder being embedded in 
adipose tissue, and closely compressed at its neck 
— hence the retention of urine. Cystitis may also 
arise through the bladder being complicated with 

6—2 



84 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

hernia, and becoming strangulated, a case of which 
I recorded in 1878. 

Symptoms. — Extreme tenderness in the region of 
the bladder, with heat and fulness ; frequent efforts 
to urinate ; a crouching, straddling gait ; febrile dis- 
turbance and great thirst ; and usually obstinate 
constipation. In the early stage the urine is high- 
coloured, and subsequently is sanguineous or mixed 
with mucus and pus. 

Treatment. — Hot hip-baths, linseed poultices close 
up between the thighs, warm gruel enemas, frequent 
mucilaginous drinks, and opiates, are the measures 
indicated. 

Where retention of urine exists, surgical assistance 
is necessary, and, as catheterism is not practicable 
in the cat, direct puncture of the bladder with a fine 
trocar and cannula affords the only and most speedy 
relief. The operation is essentially a veterinarian's, 
and, carried out with due care, is generally success- 
ful.* 

Nephritis. 

This is not of frequent occurrence in cats, and 
only a few cases have come under my notice which 
have been due to external violence in the lumbar 
region, one arising from the animal being gripped 
across the loins by a dog and shaken. 

Symptoms. — Loin pain, aggravated by pressure or 

* In a bitch with double ventral hernia, in which the bladder 
occupied nearly the entire left sac and was greatly distended, I 
evacuated it on five different occasions by means of a fine 
trocar and cannula with complete success, which enabled me 
afterwards to operate on the hernia with satisfactory results. 
{Veterinary Journal^ October, 1878.) 



GENERAL DISEASES 85 

exercise ; a stiff gait, resembling lumbago ; frequent 
urination in small quantities, very hot, high-coloured, 
and sometimes mixed with blood or casts of lymph, 
are the chief indications of nephritis. When the 
urine is entirely suppressed, ursemic poisoning takes 
place, followed by convulsions and death. In such 
cases a strong urinal and ammoniacal odour is 
emitted from the breath and body. 

Treatment, — Hot linseed and mustard poultices to 
the loins, hot hip-baths, or cutting off the fur and 
applying a mustard leaf. Frequent mucilaginous 
drinks, milk and eggs, and perfect quietude, are the 
measures indicated. Constipation should be relieved 
with oleaginous aperients and warm enemas. 

Anaemia. 

This condition arises from poverty of blood, due 
to deficiency of the red globules and albumin, and 
excess of salts. Anaemia is brought about by negligent 
care, innutritions and insufficient food, want of pure 
air and light, and it also follows debilitating diseases 
and haemorrhage. In cats that occupy basements 
or dark warehouses, who frequently breed and have 
large families, it is common to find some, if not all, 
of the kittens anaemic. 

Symptoms, — The visible mucous membranes, espe- 
cially the conjunctiva and gums, are pale ; the ex- 
tremities cold, sometimes swollen ; pulse feeble ; and 
the animal generally listless and depressed, mewing 
in a feeble manner, and having but scanty secretions 
and excretions. 

Treatment. — This is comprised in good hygiene, 
generous and nutritious diet, with vegetable and 



86 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

mineral tonics. Iron and cod-liver-oil are especially 
indicated ; whilst raw meat is of great value, and 
should be varied with fish and vegetables. In young, 
growing animals phosphate of lime mixed with the 
food is beneficial. A nursing mother should be well 
nourished, and weaned kittens be supplied sufficiently 
with pure milk and have free access to fresh air and 
sun. 

Diphtheria. 

Apart from the fact that outbreaks of feline diph- 
theria have occurred, we have to face the unpleasant 
truth that the disease can be transmitted from the 
animal to the human subject, and vice versa; and, 
as children appear more susceptible to contract this 
serious malady, it is very essential the disease should 
be correctly diagnosed. There are some authorities 
— or, at all events, medical writers — who deny the 
identity of bird or animal diphtheria with the human 
form. Unfortunately, I have had direct proof in my 
own family of the contrary;* and, with the abundant 

■^ Some years ago a fowl with putrid sore throat (believed by 
the owner to be roup) was brought to my house for advice and 
treatment. One of my sons, now practising at St. Leonard's- 
on-Sea, was instructed how to dress the throat in my absence. 
He became a victim to diphtheria, which also attacked (myself 
excepted) each member of the family, leaving in the youngest a 
chronic affection of the uvula. The late Dr. Gabb of Hastings 
was the medical attendant, and brought the circumstances 
before either the British or some other medical society in a 
paper which he read. A great number of birds from the same 
poultry farm succumbed to the same disease. 

Osier (' Principles and Practice of Medicine ') observes : 
' Calves, cats and fowls are subject to contagious membranous 
diseases, which are, however, not identical with diphtheria in 
man, and are not communicable to him.' 



GENERAL DISEASES 87 

evidence on record of the transmissibility of anthrax, 
tuberculosis, glanders, and other specific animal blood 
diseases to the human subject, it is necessary to 
take into consideration the morbid conditions of the 
usually termed ' harmless domestic cat ' as affecting 
the welfare of the household. 

Symptoms. — Inflamed and swollen condition of 
the throat and neighbouring glands ; difficulty in 
swallowing. Spots of a dirty - yellowish or gray 
exudation may be seen on the back of the palate and 
throat, which ultimately coalesce, spreading over 
the back of the pharynx. As the disease advances, 
this fibroid or membranous coating increases in 
thickness and firmness of attachment, and has been 
described as resembling dirty wash-leather. Con- 
siderable salivary discharge occurs, which hangs from 
the angles of the mouth. The breath is extremely 
foetid, especially when sloughing has commenced ; 
and then a dirty, purulent discharge, frequently 
mingled with blood, issues from the nostrils. A 
constant short, choking cough, with retching, is 

Lennox Browne, on the other hand, says : * Nevertheless, 
seeing that fowls, pigeons and calves, as well as domestic 
aniinals^ are susceptible to the infection of human diphtheria, 
the possibility of a retransmission of the disease to the human 
being cannot be denied, and should not be overlooked.' 

B. A. Whitelegge, M.D. ('Hygiene and Public Health'), 
alluding to bovine diphtheria, states : ' Klein has shown that 
pure cultivations produce by inoculation a constitutional disease 
in cows . . . and cats fed upon the milk develop in a few days 
a severe and often fatal illness, apparently identical with that 
which sometimes affects cats during the prevalence of human 
diphtheria. In the cat, as in the cow, the lung symptoms pre- 
dominate.' 



88 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

invariably present, the creature endeavouring, as it 
were, to dislodge the diphtheritic deposit. Great 
prostration, rapid pulse, and frequently low tempera- 
ture, accompany the disease. Death usually arises 
from asphyxia. In all cases the lungs are affected, 
and generally become gangrenous. 

Treatment. — If the animal is of sufficient value to 
incur the risk of infection in treating it, which I 
doubt, then the same local and medicinal measures 
adopted in human practice would be applicable ; but 
I avoid mentioning these, and advise destruction, 
rigid disinfection, and every other means necessary 
to prevent contagion. 

Salivation. 

This condition, when associated with any local 
affection of the mouth or neighbouring structures, is 
usually an indication of mercurialism. Unfortunately, 
as with the canine race, mercury, in some one of its 
compounds, whether for external or internal use, 
forms one of the pet remedies of * cat doctors.' The 
red, green, and yellow iodides — notably the latter 
for eye cases — are especial favourites for external 
use, and for diseases requiring very opposite treat- 
ment these preparations are constantly prescribed — 
to wit, skin diseases, all of which, in the vocabulary 
of the quack, are mange — while for alterative, 
aperient, or emetic purposes calomel is used most 
indiscreetly. 

Symptoms. — In mercurialism the salivary secretion 
is unusually abundant ; the teeth are loose and dis- 
coloured ; the gums spongy, swollen, and tender, 
extremely congested, often approaching a purple hue. 



GENERAL DISEASES 89 

The breath is singularly foetid, the tongue loaded 
with brown fur, and deeply red down the sides. 
There is little appetite, but excessive thirst. 

In severe cases sloughing and ulceration of the 
mucous membrane of the mouth occurs, and if the 
mercurial doses have been excessive the stomach and 
intestines are in a like manner affected, resulting in 
blood-stained vomits and sanguinary purging. 

If suitable measures are not taken to check these 
effects, considerable irritative fever is established. 
Extreme debility follows ; the coat falls off ; the 
animal becomes rapidly emaciated, tremulous, and 
paralytic, and dies in convulsions or delirium. Not 
unfrequently the face is considerably swollen, and 
the joints are hot and tender. 

Mercurialism also gives rise to a species of eczema 
(eczema mercuriale). 

Treatment. — The most effectual preliminary anti- 
dote for mercurialism is an albuminoid compound — 
notably the white of egg — to be followed by potassium 
iodide and saline aperients. See Poisons and their 
Antidotes. 



CHAPTER XIII 
ACCIDENTS AND OPERATIONS 

FRACTURES AND DISLOCATIONS — AMPUTATIONS — 
BURNS AND SCALDS — EMASCULATION — SPAYING — 
HERNIA — WOUNDS — BONES IN MOUTH AND THROAT 
— NEEDLES — CHOKING — FISTULA — ABSCESS. 

Fractures and Dislocations. 

Fractures are of various character, and are usually 
divided into simple, compound, and comminuted; 
transverse, oblique, or longitudinal ; complete or 
partial. In 3^oung animals, when a fracture partially 
occurs — i.e., when the outside of a bone splits away, 
as in a half-broken twig — it is termed * green-stick 
fracture.' 

Deformity, loss of muscular power, pain, swelling, 
and crepitus, are the usual symptoms of a broken 
leg. 

A cat's limb may be as readily set as a dog's. All 
depends upon the operator and subsequent attention. 
In years past, when in country practice, many were 
the cases brought to me of trapped cats with broken 
and mangled limbs, and, with a few hopeless excep- 
tions, I obtained similar successful results as in 
canine fractures. In fact, notwithstanding assertions 




BLACK AND WHITE NEUTER ' MEPHY ' (Old Type) 

The Property of Mrs. A. M. Stead. 

(From a photograph by E. Norton Collins, S. Norwood.) 




'CHAMPION JUDGE BRUIN.' 

Winner of numerous Firsts, many Specials, and Medal. 

The Property of Miss O. J. M. Rose. 

(From a photograph by Nesbitt and Co.. Kilburn.) 



ACCIDENTS AND OPERATIONS 91 

to the contrary, cats are particularly patient under 
suffering. Splints and bandages, rightly applied, are 
seldom interfered with unless neglected ; then puss, 
like any other creature, human or otherwise, looks 
after herself. Again, it has been observed cats are 
not grateful for services rendered in time of need. 
All I can say is, my experience has proved the direct 
contrary. They are thankful for small mercies, what- 
ever larder pickings they annex on their own account, 
and it must be admitted that all cats, more or less, 
have this little failing. The worn-out argument I 
have so often advanced still holds good — treat a 
dumb animal well, and with kindness and humanity, 
and it will reciprocate it, be it cat or dog, with but 
few exceptions. 

The treatment of fracture consists in reducing the 
separated portions of bone to their proper position, 
and maintaining them thus by a retentive apparatus 
in the form of splints and bandage. The former may 
be composed of wood, pasteboard, leather, or gutta- 
percha, the latter being rendered soft by hot water 
and moulded to the limb. Bandages take the place 
of splints when soaked in gum, starch, or plaster of 
Paris. 

For limb fracture in cats I prefer thin wooden 
splints surrounded with lint, and the following method 
of application is the one I advise : Supposing the 
fracture (a simple one) to have occurred between the 
elbow and the carpus, the limb, being extended and 
held in a straight line, and the ends of the fractured 
bone in apposition, should be lightly bandaged its 
entire length. Then four splints, reaching from 
elbow to foot, should be applied thus : One slightly 



92 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

broader than the rest to the back of the limb, one 
down the front, and one on either side. To insure 
them not sHpping out of position, they should be 
smeared on the inner surface here and there with a 
little warm pitch — hence the reason of the first 
bandage, to prevent the pitch attaching to the fur. 
Having thus adjusted the splints, a bandage is next 
to be applied with moderate firmness the whole 
length of the limb. A little cotton-wool packing 
under the ends of the splints is advisable to prevent 
chafing, irritation, and sores. Vacant spaces should 
also be similarly packed to afford a level bearing for 
the splint, and avoid undue pressure on prominent 
parts. 

The average period in which union is completed 
in simple fracture is four to five weeks. The animal 
should be kept perfectly quiet, and only allowed to 
run about when absolutely necessary. Slitting the 
outer bandage a little way up at the bottom will 
relieve any irksome foot pressure or swelling, or, if 
necessary, the entire bandage may be removed and 
replaced by a fresh one, with more or less tightening, 
as the case may require. The ribbed or fluted paste- 
board used for sending bottles by post forms an 
excellent all-round temporary support until proper 
assistance is rendered. 

In compound fracture the splints must be so 
arranged as to allow exposure of the wound when 
required for dressing. This is especially necessary 
in compound comminuted fracture, when detached 
fragments of bone have to be removed. 

In fractured ribs a sufiiciently broad, stout bandage 
should be applied firmly round the chest to prevent 



ACCIDENTS AND OPERATIONS 93 

the animal dilating the thorax in breathing, and thus 
continually move the injured ribs. If the end of a 
broken rib has penetrated the cavity of the chest, 
care must be taken to guard against the ingress of air. 
There are many other varieties of fracture which 
an amateur could scarcely cope with ; therefore I 
omit a description of them in these pages, advising 
professional aid to be sought without delay. 

Concerning dislocations, which require skilful and 
immediate attention, and usually ansesthetics, the 
same advice applies. I will, however, mention three 
of the most common forms in the cat — viz., those of 
the elbow, hip, and stifle — leaving it to the good 
sense of my readers to place such cases in proper 
hands. 

In the first-named injury the humerus should be 
tightly grasped and firmly held whilst steady traction 
is brought to bear on the limb below. Sometimes 
a sudden sharp snatch or forcible jerk downwards 
will effect reduction. The joint should then be firmly 
bandaged, and the patient kept quiet in a closed 
basket. 

In hip dislocation the displacement may be upward, 
downward, forward, or backward. Reduction is per- 
formed by powerful traction above the hock in the 
direction indicated by the dislocation. At the time 
of traction the limb should be drawn outwardly from 
the upper part of the thigh for the purpose of lifting 
the head of the femur over the rim of the acetabulum 
into the socket. Rotation will sometimes aid the 
operation. Under chloroform reduction is compara- 
tively easy. 



94 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

Dislocation of the stifle or patella may occur out- 
wardly or inwardly, and is indicated by an unnatural 
projection on the affected side, with inability to flex 
the joint. Reduction is effected by drawing the leg 
forward, and then with the fingers forcing the patella 
back into its place. A side-splint should then be 
applied, and fixed firmly with a pitch bandage round 
the joint. 

Dislocation having once taken place, especially in 
the stifle, is exceedingly liable to recur. For this 
reason excitement and unnecessary movements should 
be strictly avoided. 

Amputations. 

When disease or injury renders the removal of a 
limb necessary, amputation has been successfully 
accomplished in veterinary practice, and notwith- 
standing the advice given by another writer (not a 
member of my profession) — ' If a cat's leg is broken 
or lacerated by a trap, cut it off. Don't be afraid. 
Only leave sufficient flesh to cover the bone, and 
have ready a strong red-hot wire to cauterize and 
stop bleeding ' — I assert, with considerable warmth 
of feeling, that the same skill and care adopted in 
canine surgery is equally demanded in feline surgery. 

Everything necessary — tourniquet, chloroform, in- 
struments, ligatures, lint, bandage, etc. — should be 
provided beforehand and in readiness for the operator, 
including assistance in the administration of an 
anaesthetic, and the control of the limb and divided 
bloodvessels. 

Rough-and-ready amateur surgery may be ex- 
cusable under exceptional circumstances; but even 



ACCIDENTS AND OPERATIONS 95 

then the first principles of humanity should have 
weight with the operator, and reckless mutilation 
and torture have no part in the act to be performed. 

Strict cleanliness and antiseptic dressings are espe- 
cially necessary with cats in the after-treatment of 
all wounds, particularly those associated with the 
above operation. Should secondary haemorrhage 
follow amputation, it maybe necessary to reopen the 
wound, and seek for and ligature the bleeding vessel ; 
but moderate or slow haemorrhage, especially if not 
arterial, may be allayed by astringent applications, 
padding, and firm compress. 

As this is not intended to be a surgical work, I 
will merely indicate the necessary measures to be 
adopted in the case of a smashed limb out of reach 
of professional help. Suppose it to be a compound 
fracture of the fore-limb above the knee, crushed, it 
may be, in a trap, and perhaps still bleeding. A 
tourniquet placed well above the seat of injury is in 
the first place advisable, to insure complete pressure 
on the arterial branches as well as the chief vessel.* 
The integuments should then be retracted above the 
seat of fracture — i.e., drawn back, so that when 
released they provide sufficient covering to the stump. 
All detached and sharp prominences of bone should 
be removed, the skin flaps cut even, and neatly drawn 
together with sutures, after first placing an aseptic 
pad over the end of the stump, and then a bandage 
applied. 

"*" In an old work, recently partly re-written, on operations in 
canine surgery, it is stated * the bleeding may be stopped by 
the application of warm water ' — a novel and contra-indicated 
procedure to me. 



96 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

Concerning the after-treatment, as cats cannot be 
muzzled, it is most necessary that the renewal of the 
dressings should be carefully pursued, and particularly 
asepticized. 

Burns and Scalds. 

Puss, with its love for the fireside, more often gets 
burnt than scalded, and very deep burns sometimes 
occur when a live cinder falls on the fur, which more 
readily ignites than the coat of a dog. A cat aflame 
is a dangerous creature, for it may rush to any portion 
of the house, and set fire to other materials. 

Treatment. — This chiefly lies in preventing access 
of air to the injured part, which, after the application 
of equal parts of linseed-oil and lime-water, should 
be covered over with cotton -wool. If sloughing 
follows, poultices and warm emollient fomentations 
are required. 

In severe burns or scalds considerable shock to 
the system takes place, and it becomes necessary 
to employ sedative medicines as well as soothing 
dressings, and to keep the sufferer strictly quiet and 
comfortable. Especial attention must be paid that 
the injured parts are neither bitten nor scratched. 
When there is much destruction of surface, and a 
considerable blemish follows the healing process, 
that portion of skin creating the eyesore, particularly 
if it be on the back, may by careful surgery be 
removed, and the union of the edges of the surround- 
ing skin so neatly effected as to disguise the fact that 
puss is so much integument short. This operation I 
have many times performed with agreeable results. 



ACCIDENTS AND OPERATIONS 97 

Emasculation. 

This in the cat is performed for the double purpose 
of increasing the size of the animal and to prevent 
it playing truant. 

The operation is extremely simple, but, neverthe- 
less, should be entrusted to a veterinary surgeon. 
Whilst under an anaesthetic an incision is made over 
each testicle, the organs withdrawn, and snipped off 
about J inch above the cord. After-attention is very 
rarely required, and then only a sponge and some 
warm asepticized water. 

From three to six months is the best age to 
emasculate if increased growth is the object. For 
stay-at-home purposes and inoffensiveness, the opera- 
tion can be performed at any period. I have operated 
on a great number of adult cats — some advanced in 
years — without a single untoward result. The opera- 
tions of twisting the cord and slowly scraping it 
through, or tearing the testicle away by traction, 
unless done under anaesthesia, are simply brutal. 

Spaying. 

Removal of the ovaries is not frequently practised 
on the cat, and, as I consider the operation (except 
when necessitated by disease) inhuman and extremely 
cruel, I purposely omit describing it in these pages. 

Hernia. 

Umbilical and ventral or abdominal hernia are 
the two forms most usual in cats, but neither is so 
frequently met with in feline as in canine practice. 

7 



98 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

Umbilical hernia usually results from expansion of 
the navel cicatrix, or the protrusion of omentum or 
bowel, sometimes both combined, before the navel 
aperture has closed after rupture of the umbilical 
cord, and is manifested in the shape of an easily 
compressible conical tumour immediately over the 
navel. 

Treatment. — Generally in young kittens the convex 
surface of a rounded piece of cork or pad placed over 
the navel opening, after reducing the hernia, and 
retained in position with adhesive plaster, will effect 
a cure. Otherwise, incising the skin, scarifying the 
edges of the umbilical ring, and closing it with fine 
gut sutures, may be adopted with complete success. 

Ventral hernia usually arises from sudden or violent 
strain on an overdistended abdomen, especially if in 
a weakened condition. The rupture is sometimes 
associated with, or aggravated by, heavy pregnancy. 

Treatment. — This consists in dividing the skin over 
the site of rupture, returning the protruded organs, 
and uniting the torn abdominal walls, after first 
scraping the edges, with uninterrupted gut sutures, 
and the external wound with interrupted silk sutures. 
An after-bandage support is advisable. 

In advanced pregnancy the injury is more com- 
plicated, and it may be necessary to remove the 
unborn young through the abdominal opening before 
dealing with the rupture. This, however, is a delicate 
operation only to be entrusted to an expert in surgery, 
and which it is unnecessary to describe in these 
pages. 



ACCIDENTS AND OPERATIONS 99 

Wounds. 

Cats are liable to various kinds of wounds, which, 
as in other creatures, may be described as incised, 
lacerated, punctured, and contused. 

Incised wounds are most amenable to treatment 
and rapid healing. After carefully cleansing, the 
edges are brought together and maintained in posi- 
tion by sutures, which may be of silk, thread, or fine 
gut. It is advisable to clip off the fur over the surface 
of the injured part, and thus prevent any getting 
between the lips of the wound and acting as an 
irritant. In large incised wounds, to avoid an un- 
sightly after-scar, I find it advantageous to insert 
intermediate sutures before withdrawing the first 
ones when they become slack. 

Lacerated wounds must of necessity heal by a 
process of granulation. After the removal of clots, 
dirt, and any foreign matters, if no secondary 
haemorrhage occurs, the wound may be packed with 
antiseptic dressing, changed every twenty-four hours, 
or oftener, according to circumstances. In the case 
of haemorrhage, astringent applications are necessary, 
as cotton-wool steeped in tincture of iron or solution 
of tannic acid. I have plugged such wounds with 
Petanelle wool with most pleasing results, this agent 
not only being an effectual styptic, but an excellent 
absorbent and deodorant, leaving the wound sweet 
and clean. When no skin is removed, the edges 
should be brought together with sutures, and so 
maintained as long as possible, taking care to leave 
a free passage for the discharge of pus. If the sutures 
are tied in bows, they can be readily unfastened for 
L.orG. 7—2 



loo DISEASES OF THE CAT 

the withdrawal and renewal of the packing, and re- 
closed. Lacerated wounds from dog-bites should be 
cauterized. 

Punctured wounds are generally very troublesome ; 
they are more or less of a deceptive nature, for some- 
times it is impossible to tell to what extent they go 
or what foreign matters may be left behind. Thorns, 
for instance, or the rust off a spike or nail, or a broken 
splinter of wood, may, from remaining unextracted, 
produce deep-seated, burrowing abscess, pyaemia, and 
death. Such wounds, then, should always be care- 
fully examined, and the probe is only a safe explorer 
in the hands of a professional man. As the orifice 
of a punctured wound is frequently exceedingly small, 
the fur around it should be cut off, so that it may 
not be drawn in or matted, and form an obstruction 
to the discharge of pus ; this will also facilitate the 
daily examination and treatment of the wound. If 
the puncture be in the foot, and there is reason to 
suppose a thorn, rusty nail, or portion of glass has 
produced it, poulticing is advisable, with the insertion 
occasionally of a little caustic. A punctured wound 
should never be allowed to heal unless the attendant 
is satisfied it is sound at the bottom ; otherwise, as 
already observed, deep-seated abscess and sinuses 
will result. When the opening is small, pus has 
accumulated, and the swelling above is extensive, it 
is better to enlarge the wound with a scalpel or lance, 
and inject it with warm asepticized water. 

Contused wounds are best treated with fomenta- 
tions and poulticing ; if only slight. Nature alone 
will effect a cure. 

In all wounds strict cleanliness and asepticism 



ACCIDENTS AND OPERATIONS loi 

should be observed, and where inflammatory fever 
is present it may be counteracted by Hght aperient 
medicine, plain, unstimulating diet, and quietude. 

Bones in the Mouth and Throat. 

These are a frequent source of trouble to cats, 
especially fish, fowl, and rabbit bones, the two latter 
being notably a source of mischief. Numerous cases 
have come under my notice in which sharp spiculi 
of bone have been found fixed across the roof of the 
mouth, between the teeth, or in the throat. Very 
recently a cat in great distress was brought to me 
for the extraction of what its mistress supposed to 
be a loose tooth, but which proved to be a sharp 
splinter of fowl bone embedded in the gum. 

When a cat has a persistent, choking cough, with 
efforts to dislodge something, and paws at its mouth, 
a careful examination of the interior should be made. 
If the bone is low down the throat, and a veterinary 
surgeon not immediately handy, the best thing is to 
give a little salad-oil pending the arrival of pro- 
fessional help. Above all, the throat should not be 
manipulated and pinched externally, as penetration 
of the sharp end of the bone into the throat or 
oesophageal structure has through this action fre- 
quently been occasioned, and the case in consequence 
further aggravated. 

In all cases, except in the mouth, when the bone 
can be seen and removed with the fingers or ordinary 
forceps (sometimes a button-hook is very handy if 
the bone is across the roof of the mouth), it is safer 
and wiser to seek the aid of a professional man who 
has the necessary instruments at hand. 



I02 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

After the removal of a throat-bone, the patient 
should be fed for a day or two on warm bread and 
milk, which acts as a poultice, and does not irritate 
any laceration that may exist. Sometimes, though 
rarely, the obstruction exists at the lower end of the 
oesophagus, when it may be necessary to forward it 
into the stomach by the use of a probang or large- 
sized gum-elastic catheter, previously giving a tea- 
spoonful of salad-oil. This, again, is essentially a 
professional man's work. 



Needle Injuries. 

In my work on * The Management and Diseases 
of the Dog,' I have recorded cases of injuries due to 
the vagaries of a travelling needle in the body, and 
many similar instances have occurred in the cat. In 
one case a needle carrying cotton had penetrated 
between the branches of the lower jaw and transfixed 
the animal's tongue. In another, irregular swellings 
appeared and disappeared in various parts of the 
body. Sharp unaccountable pains, without any 
warning, were occasionally manifested ; ultimately 
an abscess formed on the side, and when opened a 
corroded needle was discovered. 

My son, writing from St. Leonards concerning cat 
cases, says : * I have had one which, at periods vary- 
ing from three to four months, had abscesses form 
in different parts of the body without any apparent 
cause, and which, after lancing and the usual treat- 
ment, got well very quickly. In the last one I dis- 
covered a needle, and, as there have been no abscesses 
since, I have no doubt that was the cause. The cat 



ACCIDENTS AND OPERATIONS 103 

must have swallowed it, or it had at some time 
penetrated the skin.' 

Choking. 

Cats, especially after prolonged starvation, occa- 
sionally get choked in swallowing large portions of 
solid food. In ordinary life this is rarely the result, 
as the animal is very patient in mastication. 

Choking may also occur from a portion of bone 
becoming fixed in the oesophagus or pharynx. 

Treatment.— U the obstruction is not deeply lodged, 
and can be seen or felt, an attempt should be made 
to extract it with forceps. An ingenious instrument 
for this purpose I have had in use for many years. 
When, however, the substance is too low down for 
extraction, a teaspoonful of salad-oil should be first 
given, and then a large gum-elastic human catheter, 
or whalebone probe having a portion of sponge 
securely fastened on the end, may be gently passed 
down to the obstruction, and then steadily pushed 
onwards. Before, however, attempting this measure, 
it is advisable to carefully manipulate externally with 
the fingers, as the obstruction may be of such a 
nature that external pressure may soften and break 
it down and facilitate its onward passage. Pins, 
needles, and other sharp substances may sometimes 
be removed by rotating the probang and then with- 
drawing it. Holding the animal up by the hind- 
legs, head downwards, and giving a sharp smack on 
the back, will in some cases cause a successful effort 
to dislodge the obstruction. 

Considerable irritation often ensues after choking, 
and when the lining membrane of the oesophagus 



104 , DISEASES OF THE CAT 

has been lacerated, a great degree of inflammatory 
action is sure to follow ; to subdue both, and act as 
a local sedative, warm bread-and-milk and mucila- 
ginous broths should for some days afterwards form 
the sole diet of the animal. (See Bones in the 
Mouth and Throat.) 

Fistula. 

Fistula of the anus is not uncommon in overfed 
cats suffering from constipation and piles, especially 
if no measures are taken to relieve the latter. The 
fistula may be external or internal, complete or partial, 
i.e.y external if the orifice of the w^ound is in the 
integument, or internal if within the rectum ; com- 
plete if the two orifices exist together, partial when 
there is but one orifice. 

Symptoms. — Continual irritation of the affected 
part, which the animal continually licks, and some- 
times, like the dog, drags itself along the floor with 
its fore-limbs. If the fistula is external it requires 
little diagnosis : a small weeping orifice may be seen, 
which on passing a probe into it will be found to 
either end in a blind channel or communicate with 
the bowel ; if internal, and not complete, there is 
an offensive rectal discharge, and the faeces are often 
coated with matter and blood. When complete, the 
end of the probe, passed from without, can be felt in 
the rectum with the little finger, if able to insert it. 

Treatment. — This consists in laying open the sinus 
with a fine probe-pointed bistoury, and afterwards 
treating it in the first instance as a common wound, 
and subsequently by injecting a solution of chloride 
of zinc. If considerable haemorrhage follows, the part 



ACCIDENTS AND OPERATIONS 105 

should be packed with cotton-wool steeped in tincture 
of iron or a solution of tannic acid ; or if it arises 
from a divided artery, the vessel should be secured 
and twisted, or if possible tied. 

It is advisable to properly regulate the bowels, and 
at no time should constipation be allow^ed to take 
place ; an enema of warm water twice or thrice 
daily, after haemorrhage is prevented, should be 
administered, for the double purpose of facilitating 
the passage of faeces and removing the discharge. 

It is needless to observe the surgical treatment of 
fistula should only be undertaken by a professional 
man. 

Abscess. 

Cats are more or less subject to abscess arising 
from blows or other injuries (see Needles). Abscess 
may be either external or internal — usually the former 
— and very frequently on the head or side of the face 
when caused by stone-throwing. I have had many 
cases due to the latter pernicious practice. When 
an abscess is forming there is considerable heat, 
swelling, and pain in the affected part, and as sup- 
puration proceeds and the matter approaches the 
surface, it has a fluctuating and * throbbing ' feel to 
the fingers. 

Treatment, — This should be directed to the en- 
couragement of speedy development by hot fomenta- 
tions or poultices, and, when the abscess is matured, 
evacuation of the contents by lancing. A poultice 
may afterwards be applied, and the sac syringed from 
time to time with a weak tepid solution of perman- 
ganate of potash or chinosol. If, as in sluggard 



io6 DISEASES OF THE CAT 

abscess, it is necessary to encourage the discharge, a 
Httle savin ointment or other stimulating agent may 
be inserted in the wound. When abscess forms on 
the jaw or side of the face, an examination should 
be made of the mouth to see if it arises from tooth 
trouble, to which attention, if so, should be directed. 
Abscess may also be associated with mammitis (see 
Diseases of the Mammary Glands). 

Abscess of the pharynx, usually arising from the 
lodgment of some foreign body, is denoted by a fluc- 
tuating tense swelling, with difficulty in swallowing. 
The head is extended and carried stiffly. Treatment 
consists in evacuating the matter with the lance or 
small trocar. 




PIP'— A STUDY IN BLACK AND WHITE. 

The Property of Mrs. Wellbve. 
(From a photograph by E. Landor, EaUiig.) 



APPENDIX 
POISONS AND THEIR ANTIDOTES 

Arsenic. 

Poisoning from this drug may arise from its wilful 
administration for the purpose of destruction, or from ex- 
cessive doses medicinally prescribed — notably in Fowler's 
solution — and also from absorption after external applica- 
tion or from licking the dressing. 

Actions and Uses. — Administered in excess, arsenic is an 
irritant poison, otherwise an alterative, tonic, and anti- 
septic ; locally, a caustic, antiseptic and parasiticide. 
When given in excess, it produces gastro-intestinal irrita- 
tion, vomiting, difficult breathing, rapid weakened heart 
action, great prostration, low temperature, black and 
difficult evacuations, oedematous condition of the body 
and limbs, delirium, convulsions, coma, and death. 

Post-mortem Appearances. — These are similar to those 
observed in the dog. The stomach (according to the 
quantity of poison received) is more or less inflamed, 
softened and thickened, and presents extravasated blood- 
spots and erosions. In slow poisoning, the latter are 
most marked, the mucous membrane being also univer- 
sally purple. Some weeks after death bright yellow 
spots, as observed in the human subject, have been found 
inside the stomach ; the lungs are usually congested, the 
liver enlarged and of a greasy consistency. A peculiarity 



io8 APPENDIX 

of arsenic is its mummifying effects on the body after 
death ; instead of putrefaction taking place, the carcase 
becomes dry and shrivelled. 

Antidotes. — Emetics, followed by moist hydrated per- 
oxide of iron ; magnesia freely given in the absence of 
iron ; frequent teaspoonfuls of equal parts of salad-oil and 
lime-water ; mucilaginous drinks, white of egg, barley- 
water, linseed-tea, milk and isinglass. The animal to 
be wrapped in a hot blanket. 

Dose. — -^jj to ^ grain. 

Strychnine. 

This is perhaps the most common agent in cat poison- 
ing, and frequently occurs through eating mice, and 
sometimes birds, which have been destroyed by Battle's 
Vermin-killer. Death may also arise from excessive 
medicinal doses, and also of compounds containing 
the drug — notably Easton's Syrup and tincture of 
nux vomica. 

Actions and Uses. — Medicinally strychnine is a tonic, 
nerve stimulant, and antiparalysant. In excessive doses 
it produces general rigidity, trembling, intermittent 
spasmodic muscular twitchings, extending to the glottis, 
diaphragm, and muscles of respiration, resulting in death 
by asphyxia. 

Post-mortem Appearances. — Blood dark-coloured and 
unusually fluid, venous engorgement of the lungs, fre- 
quently right side of the heart, and large bloodvessels ; 
redness of stomach and intestines (more pronounced in 
protracted cases), congestion of brain and spinal cord. 
The body for some hours after death is stiffened out, 
with back arched and head thrown back towards the 
spine, limbs rigidly extended, and tail carried straight 
out. 



POISONS AND THEIR ANTIDOTES 109 

Antidotes. — Emetics, infusion of tobacco, extract of 
hemlock, chloroform, bromide of potassium, and hydrate 
of chloral. In cats suffering from strychnine-poisoning 
I have found the greatest benefit from infusion of tobacco 
given in teaspoonful doses every hour until the spasms 
cease ; and next to this I prefer 5 grains each of bromide 
of potassium and chloral hydrate in a dessertspoonful of 
water every hour if necessary. Artificial respiration is 
also valuable. 

Dose. — Strychnine, -^q to -^^ grain ; liquor strychnia, 
I to 5 minims ; tinct. nux vomica, 5 to 10 minims ; 
Easton's Syrup, 20 to 30 minims. 



Prussia Acid. 

This is the most deadly and instantaneous poison used, 
and for that reason is most frequently employed by 
chemists for the destruction of cats. 

Actions and Uses. — Medicinally (diluted) it is sedative, 
antispasmodic, and anodyne. It is fatal in from i to 4 
drops, placed on the tongue, within the eyelids, or sub- 
cutaneously injected, and especially through the walls 
of the chest. A fatal dose creates sudden giddiness, 
staggering, violent gasping respiratory efforts, fixed eyes, 
and usually one painful mew ; when the limbs become 
flaccid, involuntary micturition and evacuation occur, 
and death takes place, the whole occupying one to two 
minutes. 

Post-mortem Appearances. — More or less venous conges- 
tion, especially in the heart ; blood generally fluid, and 
of a bluish appearance if an excessive dose has been 
given ; the odour of the acid is perceptible for some time 
after death. 

Antidotes. — Cold douche over head and neck, bleeding, 
inhalation of ammonia or chlorine, hypodermic injection 



no APPENDIX 

of atropine, galvanism, fresh air, inhalation of oxygen, 
continued artificial respiration. 

Dose. — Medicinal acid (B.P.), i to 2 minims. 

Carbolic Acid. 

Not unfrequently cats become poisoned either from 
the absorption of this agent when too freely used in skin- 
dressings, or from licking the same. Hence it should be 
used with extreme caution. 

Actions and Uses. — Medicinally carbolic acid is a seda- 
tive, anodyne, astringent, and antiseptic ; externally, an 
antiseptic, deodorizer, disinfectant, caustic, and styptic. 
In excessive doses it is an irritant poison, causing excite- 
ment, dilatation of the pupils, heavy breathing, convul- 
sions, and death. Cats are peculiarly susceptible to 
the action of carbolic acid ; even a single dressing, 
incautiously applied over a large surface, produces 
dulness, trembling, and disinclination for food, which 
may continue for several days (Dun). Stronger dress- 
ings within a few minutes cause excitement, blowing, 
unsteady gait, and occasionally fatal collapse. 

Antidotes, — Neutralization of the poison maybe effected 
by administering Epsom or Glauber's salts in warm 
water, which form harmless sulpho-carbolates. Albu- 
minous matters (white of raw egg) and demulcent drinks 
should be given freely. Inhalation of sedative steam 
alleviates the throat and gastric irritation. 

Dose, — I to 3 minims dissolved in 5 minims of gly- 
cerine, and given in a little water ; useful in continued 
vomiting. 

Phosphorus. 

This is usually taken in the form of phosphorus paste 
(rat poison), which, when spread on bread-and-butter or 
fish, is readily taken. 



POISONS AND THEIR ANTIDOTES in 

Actions and Uses. — Medicinally it promotes the growth 
and density of bony tissue, and is hence used, especially 
conjoined with iron, in rickets, bone softening, and mal- 
nutrition. Excessive doses cause gastro-enteritis, diar- 
rhoea, and emesis. Persistent vomiting occurs, and if 
examined in the dark the ejected matter is sometimes 
luminous. A phosphorous odour may be present in the 
breath. Death is usually preceded by convulsions and 
coma, or it may occur from sudden collapse. 

Antidotes. — Emetic of sulphate of zinc or ipecacuanha, 
followed by sulphate of copper, 2 grains in a dessertspoon- 
ful of water, which forms an insoluble phosphide ; this may 
be repeated twice or thrice with two hours' interval. 
Mucilaginous drinks are valuable, but milk, oil, or eggs 
must be avoided, as they dissolve the phosphorus and 
facilitate its absorption. 

Dose. — ^i^ grain dissolved in oil or given in a pill. 

Lead (Acetate). 

The symptoms of lead-poisoning are less pronounced 
in cats than in other animals, but cases have occurred 
through licking fresh white paint and drinking water out 
of paint pots. 

Actions and Uses. — Medicinally and externally, astrin- 
gent and sedative ; in excessive doses, corrosive and 
irritant, giving rise to cramp, paralysis, and convulsions. 

Antidotes. — Sulphuretted hydrogen, dilute sulphuric 
acid, 3 to 6 minims in a teaspoonful of water ; iodide of 
potassium, 3 to 6 grains in water — repeated ; sulphate of 
magnesia, f drachm in water. Milk, gum mucilage, 
white of egg and water, barley-water. 

Dose. — I to 2 grains. 



112 APPENDIX 

Calomel. 

Actions and Uses. — In excessive doses an irritant poison. 
Medicinally, a cathartic, liver stimulant, alterative, 
febrifuge, diuretic, emetic, antiseptic, and anthelmintic ; 
externally, sedative and antiparasitic. 

Dose. — J to I grain. 

Turpentine. 

Actions and Uses. — In large doses an irritant poison, 
producing gastro-enteritis, inflammation of the kidneys 
and bladderj and paralysis. Medicinally, stimulant, 
antispasmodic, astringent, cathartic, diuretic, diaphoretic, 
and anthelmintic ; externally, a counter-irritant and stim- 
ulant. 

Antidotes. — Mucilage and oil. 

Doses. — As an anthelmintic (not advised in cats), -J to i 
drachm in a dessertspoonful of salad-oil. 

Paraffin. 

Actions and Uses. — Antiseptic, germicide, vermicide, 
stimulant, antispasmodic, and hair stimulant. In ex- 
cessive doses, or through absorption in skin-dressing, 
causes diarrhoea, wasting, convulsions, coma, and death. 

Antidotes. — Emetics and stimulants. 

Dose (Petroleum Spirit). — 20 to 30 minims in milk or 
gruel (not advised). 

Chloroform. 

* Whenever respiration is impaired, unduly slow, 
shallow, or gasping, the administration of the drug must 
cease, fresh air should be freely allowed, the tongue drawn 
forward, and the head placed on a lower level than the 
rest of the body. But if natural respiration ceases, not 



POISONS AND THEIR ANTIDOTES 113 

a moment must be lost in adopting artificial respiration. 
The Hyderabad experiments show that every animal 
was revived, in which artificial respiration was used, 
within thirty seconds after natural respiration ceased, in 
some cases in which it was used after fifty seconds, but 
in none in which the treatment was delayed for sixty 
seconds after respiration stopped. When the pulse and 
heart had ceased to beat, neither artificial respiration nor 
other remedies, however promptly used, were effectual 
in restoring life. In such emergencies, faradic stimula- 
tion of the phrenic nerve and inhalation of amyl nitrite 
may aid in restoring respiratory movements ' (Dun). 

In apparent death, I have frequently, by rapid artificial 
respiration, application of ammonia to nostrils, syringing 
the face with cold water, the use of blow-bellows, and the 
battery, succeeded in restoring the animal after much 
longer intervals than above quoted. In operations on 
cats, a- mixture of chloroform and ether is preferable to 
chloroform. 



GENERAL INDEX 



Abandoned CATS .. .. .. .. ..1,2 

Abdominal consumption . . . . . . . . 20 

treatment of . . . . . . . . . . 21 

Abortion . . . . . . . . . . . • 5^ 

Abscess . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 

causes of . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 

treatment of . . . . . . . . 105, 106 

Abscess, serous. . .. .. .. .. •• 49 

Accidents and operations . . . . . . . . 90 

Administration of medicine . . . . . . . . 7, 8 

Agalactia . . . . . . . . • • • • 60 

causes of . . . . . . . . . • • • 60 

treatment of . . . . . . • . . . 60 

Amputations . . . . . . . . . • • . 94 

treatment of . . . . . • . . • • 94. 95 

Anaemia . . . . . . . • • • • • 85 

causes of . . . . • • . • • • • • 85 

symptoms of . , . . . • . . • • 85 

treatment of . . . . . . • • . . 85, 86 

Anaesthesia .. .. .. .. •• 8,112,113 

Apoplexy . . . . . . . . . • • • 7° 

symptoms of . . • . . . • . • • 7° 

treatment of . . • . . • • • • • 7° 

Appendix . . . . . . • • • ■ • • io7 

Arsenic . . . . • • • • • • • • ^°7 

Ascaris marginata .. .. •• •• ••25,40 

Asphyxia . . • . • • • • • • • • 7 



GENERAL INDEX 



115 



B 



Biscuit food 






4 


Bladder, inflammation of the 






83 


Bones in the mouth and throat . 






lOI 


removal of . . 






loi, 102 


Bowels, diseases of the . . 






33 


Breeding 






55 


Bronchitis 






12 


symptoms of 






13 


treatment of 






•• 13. 14 


Burns and scalds 






96 


treatment of 






.. 96 



Calomel 






.112 


Cancer 






64 


symptoms of 






65 


treatment of 






65 


Canker of the ear 






48 


caiises of . . 






48 


symptoms of 






.. 48 


treatment of 
Carbolic acid . . 






. . 48, 49 
no 


Castration 






97 


Catarrh 






II 


symptoms of 






II 


treatment of 






. . II, 12 


Chloroform 






8, 112, 113 


Choking 






. . 103 


causes of . . 
treatment of 
Colic .. 






• . 103 
103, 104 

36 


causes of . . 






36 


symptoms of 






36 


treatment of 






36 


Constipation 






33 


treatment of 






•• 33. 34 


Consumption . . 






20 


symptoms of 






20 


treatment of 






. . 20, 21 



ii6 



GENERAL INDEX 



Cramp 

causes of . . 

treatment of 
Cystitis 

causes of . . 

symptoms of 

treatment of 



D 



Destruction 
Diarrhoea 

causes of . . 

treatment of 
Diphtheria 

symptoms of 

transmissibilit}' of 

treatment of 
Diseases 

Diseases of the respiratory organs 
Disinfection 
Dislocations 

treatment of 
Distemper 

symptoms of 

treatment of 
Dropsy 

symptoms of 

treatment of 
Dysentery 

exciting causes of 

symptoms of 

treatment of 



Ear, diseases of the 

Eczema 

symptoms of 
treatment of 

Eczema mercuriale 



GENERAL INDEX 



117 



Emasculation . . 










97 


methods of . . 










97 


Enteritis 










37 


causes of . . 










37 


symptoms of 










. 37. 38 


treatment of 










. 38. 39 


Epilepsy 










. 69 


causes of . . 










. 69 


symptoms of 










. 69, 70 


treatment of 










70 


Eyeball, protrusion of . 










52 


treatment of 










. 52, 53 


Eye, diseases of the 










51 


F 


Feeding 








. 3-5 


Fistula 








104 


Fits .. 








. 69 


Fleas .. 








. 46 


Foreign bodies in the stomach 








• 24, 31 


Fractures and dislocations 








90 


characters of 








90 


treatment of 








• 90-93 


G 


Gastric catarrh . . 










26 


causes of . . 










26 


symptoms of 










26 


treatment of 










26 


Gastritis 










26 


causes of . . 










. 26, 27 


symptoms of 










27 


treatment of 










. 27, 28 


Gastro-enteritis 










29 


causes of . . 










29 


symptoms of 










. 29, 30 


treatment of 










. 30, 31 


Gastrotomy 










32 


General diseases 




. 






. 75-89 


Generative organs, functi 


ons of th 


e 






55 



ii8 



GENERAL INDEX 



H 



Hepatitis 

causes of . . 
symptoms of 
treatment of 

Hepatitis, chronic 
treatment of 

Hernia 

forms of 
causes of . . 
treatment of 

Herpes (labialis) 
symptoms of 
treatment of 
cases of 

Homes for cats . . 

Hydrophthalmia 
symptoms of 
treatment of 



PAGE 

78 
78 
78 

78. 79 
79 

79, 80 

97 
97 
98 
98 
45 
45. 46 
46 
46 
2, 3 
53 
54 
54 



Indigestion 








22 


causes of . . 








22 


symptoms of 








22 


treatment of 
Influenza 








23 
12 


symptoms of 








12 


treatment of 








12 


Internal parasites 








. 25, 40 


Intestines, inflammation of the . 








37 


causes of . . 








37 


symptoms of 








• 37. 38 


treatment of 








. 38. 39 


Itch 








41 


J 


Jaundice . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 


causes of . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 


symptoms of . . . . . . . . . . 76, 77 


treatment of 


. 


. 


. 


77 



GENERAL INDEX 
K 



Kittenhood, dietary in . . 
Kittens, destruction of . . 
Kittens, premature removal of 
Kreochyle 



119 



29 
8 

63 
5 



Lacteal tumours 






. 63 


causes of . . . . 






. 63 


treatment of 






. 64 


Lead . . 






III 


Lead paralysis . . 






74 


Lice . . 






47 


Liquid meat dietary 






5 


Liver, inflammation of the 






. 78 


causes of . . 






. 78 


symptoms of 






. 78 


treatment of 






• 78. 79 


Liver, chronic inflammation of the 






79 


Lumbar paralysis 






72 


Lungs, inflammation of the 






18 


symptoms of 






. 18, 19 


treatment of 






ig 



M 



Mania.. 


. 


. 






. 58 


Mammary glands, diseas 
Mammitis 


gs of the 








. 62-65 
62 


causes of . . 










62 


symptoms of 
treatment of 










62 
. 62, 63 


Mammitis, chronic 










. 63 


symptoms of 
treatment of 










• 63 
. 63 


Mange 

treatment of 










41 

• 41, 42 


Mercurialism . . 










. 89 


Mercurial paralysis 










74 



I20 



GENERAL INDEX 





PAGE 


Metritis 


60 


causes of . . 


60 


symptoms of 


61 


treatment of 


61 


Milk fever 


59 


causes of . . 


59 


symptoms of 


59 


treatment of 


59 


N 




Navel hernia 


. . 96, 97 


Needle injuries . . 


102 


Nervous system, diseases of the . . 


66 


Nostomania 


..71.72 



o 



CEstrum 






55 


Ophthalmia 






. 9. 51 


causes of . . 






51 


symptoms of 






51 


treatment of 






• 51. 52 


Our Cats 






3 


P 


Paraffin 


112 


Paralysis 






72 


causes of . . 






72 


symptoms of 






72 


treatment of 






• 72-74 


Parasitic canker 






49 


Parturition 






• 55, 56 


diseases associated with 






. 58-61 


Petanelle 






10 


Pharynx, abscess of the . . 






106 


Phosphorus 






no 


Piles .. 






39 


causes of . , 






39 


symptoms of 






39 


treatment of 






39 



GENERAL INDEX 



T2I 



Pleurisy 

causes of . . 

symptoms of 

treatment of 
Pneumonia 

symptoms of 

treatment of 
Poisons and their antidotes 
Poultice, how to apply . . 
Prepared Cat Food 
Puerperal fits and mania 

causes of . . 

symptoms of 

treatment of 



15 
15 
16 

16, 17 

18 

18. 19 

19 
107 

17 
4 
58 
58 
58, 59 
59 



R 

Rabies 

symptoms of 
Respiratory organs, diseases of the 
Rheumatism 

causes of . . 

symptoms of 

treatment of 
Rheumatism, chronic 

symptoms of 

treatment of 
Ringworm 

symptoms of 

treatment of 





66 


. . 67-69 




II 




81 




81 


.. 81 


82 




82 




82 




82 


.. 82 


83 




42 




43 




44 



Salivation 

causes of . . 

symptoms of 

treatment of 
Scalds.. 
Serous abscess . . 

causes of . . 

treatment of 



88. 89 
89 
96 
49 
49 

49. 50 



122 



GENERAL INDEX 



Spaying 

Starvation 

Stomach, inflammatory and ulcerative condition of the 

oversensitive conditions of the 
Strychnine 



PAGE 

97 

I 

28 

28 

108 



Tabes mesenterica 
Tania solium 
Tapping 
Tinea favosa 
Tumours, lacteal 



.. 20, 


21 




40 




17 


.. 42-44 


.. 63. 


64 



u 



Umbilical hernia 

causes of . . 

treatment of 
Urine, involuntary escape of 
Uterus, inflammation of the 

causes of . . 

symptoms of 

treatment of 



98 
98 
98 

72. 74 
60 
60 
61 
61 



Ventral hernia . . 

causes of . . 

treatment of 
Vermifuge 
Vermin 

treatment of 
Vomiting 

causes of . . 

treatment of 



98 
98 
98 
40 
46 

47 
23 

23, 24 

24, 25 



Washing 
Winter cough 



W 



5.6 
14 



GENERAL INDEX 



123 









PAGE 


Womb, inflammation of the 


60 


causes of . . 






60 


symptoms of 






61 


treatment of 






61 


Worms 






• . 25. 40 


treatment of 






• . 25, 40 


Wounds 






99 


descriptions of 






99 


treatment of 






99-101 



Yellows 

Young kittens, destruction of 



76 

8 



THE END 



Bailliere, Tindall &" Cox, 8, Henrietta Street^ Strand. 



SPRATTS PATENT 

OAT ;. FOOD 

A staple food for long- or short-haired breeds. Kittens as soon 
as they are ready to leave their another s should be fed on it. 



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Have revolutionized the old method of 
FEEDING CATS 

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It has been used for many years at the National Cat Shows held in 
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MEDICINES FOR DOGS, PUPPIES AND CATS. 

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Alterative Cooling Tablets $0 50 $0 63 

Anti-Rickets Tablets 50 59^ 

Chronic Skin Disease Cure _ 50 53 

Cough Tablets for Dogs.... ^... .50 53 

Cure for Canker of the Ear , 50 54 

Chorea Tablets 50 57 

Diarrhoea and Dysentery Cure 50 54 

Distemper Tablets 75 83 

Eczema and Sarcoptic Mange Cure (oily) 50 60 

Half gallon jars, price $2.00. 

Eye Lotion Tablets 50 53 

Hair Stimulant and Restorer 50 62 

Jaundice Tablets 50 54 

Liniment for Sprains, Rheumatism, etc 50 61 

Locurium Ointment ( Patent) for Animal Use 50 63 

Locurium Ointment (Patent) for Human Use 50^ 63" 

Mange Cure 50 6a 

Half gallon jars, price $2.00, 

Medicine Chests 

Purgative Tablets .'."..".!!".!.'..'."!.',".*.'!"!!!! 50 56 

Vermifuge (worm cure for grown dogs, etc.) ."." ".'." .*.'..'. . .' 50 55 

Puppy Vermifuge Capsules (worm cure for youngsters) 50 55 

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450 Market Street, Newark, N. J. St. Louis, Mo, 
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AT STUD 

THE FAMOUS IMPORTED PERSIAN CHINCHILLA 

OMAR 

Born July 31, 1899. Imported Persian Light Chincliilla. (Registered 
National Cat Club Stud Book, England; also Beresford Cat Club Stud 
Book, Chicago. U. S. A.) 

Pale in color, grand head, massive limbs and coat, immense frill, 
brush, and has the necessary green eyes so rare in this color. Omar is a 
son of St. Anthonii ex Springfield Puff, and is bred from a line of Chin- 
chillas on both sides, with one of the strongest and best records of any 
stud Chinchilla known. 

On his sire's and dam's side are represented such noted cats as Kinff 
Fluffie, Lambkin Queen, Champion Nizam, Beauty of Bridgewater, 
Springfield Trilby, Silver Lambkin, Lallington, Bajie, Beauty IL 
Gerbold,Bethia, Joey and Beauty I., whose progeny have all been among 
the greatest prize-winners of their day. Service only to approved 
Queens. Fee, $35.00. 

Among the Queens at the Omar Cattery, are the noted imported 
shaded silver Daphne by Iver Surprise ex Lavender ; imported silver 
tabby Lorraine by Silver Coin ex Silver Psyche ; imported Smoke-, 
Dusky Beauty by Lord Argent ex '^rincess Nicotine and acknowledged 
to have been the best Smoke queen in England ; the silver tabby Sylvia 
by Muzjah ex Persia ; the silver tabby Zella by Uncas ex Sylvia ; the 
brown sable tabby Toki by Uncas ex Sylvia, representing the finest stock 
in the United States. 

SILVER AN'i CHINCHILLA KITTENS 

sired by the famous Chinchilla Omar from imported queens on hand 
and for sale at reasonable prices. They are bred through blood lines 
tor color a,nd points, and meet every requirement the most fastidious 
breeder could look for. For further information, address, 

MISS A. L. POLLARD, 
Omar Cattery, 514 Madison Ave., Elizabeth, N. J. 



All Cat Fanciers in America take 



A WEEKLY DEVOTED TO 

Dogs, Cats and Pet Stock: 

// is the only weekly in the United States that has special 

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24 to 32 pp.» handsomely illustrated, $2.00 a year. 



SEND FOR SAMPLE COPY FREE. 



FIELD AND FANCY PUBLISHING CO., 

408-9 MAIL AND EXPRESS BUILDrNG, ^ 

203 BROADWAY|, 'kW 8^^ ^^^^ ^'^ 



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HECKMAN 

BINDERY INC. 

DEC 84 



